Kye Staley finds the end zone for Cowboys

The third ranked Oklahoma State Cowboys scored eight touchdowns Saturday afternoon in their rout of the Baylor Bears, but it was one score that gave Kye Staley supporters goose bumps.

AP Photo / Sue Agrocki

Staley did it. He scored.

Social media immediately was littered with praise and excitement when No. 9 crossed that goal line when he took a short pass from quarterback Brandon Weeden and darted in from 18-yards out.

It was like old times when he wore a royal blue jersey and black pants.

The television cameras caught Staley kneeling on a knee in the back of the end zone following the score for a prayer of thanks.

Staley helped bring Guthrie’s second 5A state championship in school history and was a prominent member in Oklahoma State’s 2008 recruiting class, but suffered a devastating right knee injury in preseason practice two years ago and gave up the game last year when his recovery wasn’t progressing.

Staley told The Oklahoman following the game, “It’s just been long. I still remember the days when I just got off the surgery and wasn’t able to do anything, wasn’t able to walk.”

To view The Oklahoman’s story, including quotes from Staley click here.

ESPN’s Big 12 beat writer David Ubben puts everything into perspective with this column on Staley.