Baxter's knees are at tender stage

BEREA (AP) -- Browns cornerback Gary Baxter has already defied the odds by walking quicker than doctors expected. His next step: to play football again.
"It will be history," said Baxter, who tore the patellar tendons in both knees on the same play in an Oct. 22 game. "It's a hard process, which is going to make it a great story. I want to be an inspiration for people."
He's one already.
Baxter, who spent nearly two months in the Cleveland Clinic while recovering from two surgeries, met with reporters Friday for the first time since suffering injuries that have threatened his playing career.
Leans on walker
Wearing a Browns sweat shirt and sweat pants, Baxter hobbled to the front of the interview room leaning on an aluminum walker he hopes to discard soon for good. His spirits were high as he discussed an ordeal that has taken a physical toll but strengthened him spiritually and mentally.
"One day at a time, one step at a time," he said. "The doctors said I wouldn't be walking until February and I'm walking."
Baxter's chances of coming back are long, but the 28-year-old is convinced he can become the first NFL player to overcome such serious injuries. Chicago wide receiver Wendell Davis sustained similar injuries in 1993 while playing on the treacherous Astroturf in Philadelphia's Veterans Stadium.
Davis wasn't able to make it back as a productive player. Baxter thinks he can.
"I've got more heart," he said.
While backpedalling to defend a pass against Denver Broncos wide receiver Javon Walker, Baxter planted both feet and tried to jump when his tendons snapped.
Devastating
"It happened so fast," he said. "I was like, 'Man, I just broke my legs or something.' "
As he lay on the ground, Baxter immediately began to process the seriousness of his injuries, and for a moment he wondered if he'd even walk again. During his lengthy hospital stay, he considered his life without football.
"It was very hard. I'm not going to lie to you, I had my days where I broke down," he said. "I went from doing everything myself to needing help with just the smallest thing, like scratching my leg. For me to be a football player, we try to be in control.
"That was something that let me know I wasn't in control of anything."
The adversity has made him stronger than he thought possible. Instead of giving in, he has decided to fight.
"It has changed me," Baxter said. "You've got to go through something in life to realize where you're at. Without any struggle you can never tell progress. My soul is so deep right now."
Draws inspiration
Baxter drew inspiration by visiting children in the hospital, children who face greater challenges than he'll ever know.
"I knew a lot of them weren't going to be able to walk ever," he said. "I knew at some point in time, regardless of whatever happened, if I didn't ever play football again I was going to walk again. It just makes you humble and gives you a lot of perspective."
With Baxter facing a long hospital stay and months of rehabilitation, his mom, Faye Baxter Jones, left her job to tend to the youngest of her two sons. Her dedication touched Baxter deeply.
"I hope and pray one day I can find a wife and have the mother of my kids be like my mom," he said. "She's dropped her life to help me rebuild mine. That's unconditional love. She's been there since Day One. When I got carted off the field she was there, and she has not left my side.
"That's how you're supposed to love your kids, you're supposed to be unselfish."
Generous
Baxter has always been generous, donating countless hours to his foundation to fight childhood obesity. In recent days, he gave away 30 bicycles to local schoolkids and spread holiday cheer at the Clinic by handing out Christmas presents.
But, he saved the biggest present for himself.
"To walk and walk out of the hospital," he said. "Just to go back to normal life. The things you really don't pay attention to until their gone, I'm just happy to have them back."