Fresno State’s Bridges is back to health after health issues before the UNLV game

FRESNO, Calif. (KSEE/KGPE) – Fresno State senior defensive end Devo Bridges is back practicing with the team this week.

Bridges, the Bulldogs’ sixth-year captain, experienced a scary episode last week before Fresno State’s game at UNLV.

Before the game against the Rebels, he suffered from shortness of breath, which meant he spent some time in a Las Vegas hospital that day instead of attending the game at Allegiant Stadium.

He says it is the first time he has experienced such an episode.

“You know, I really wanted to play,” Bridges said after practice on Tuesday. “I would die on this field if I could. Since there is more to life than just football, they decided that I wouldn’t play. I’m 100 percent back now and happy to be back with my team, you know, everyone’s been checking on me and stuff like that. There is more to life than just football, so I appreciate their support.”

Devo did not want to elaborate on the doctors’ diagnosis.

“I’m back now, that’s all that matters, so I’m good,” Bridges said.

But there’s definitely a new appreciation for the game after going through something like that.

“I’m so happy to be back, the game could have been taken away from me, so I’ve learned to appreciate it more,” Bridges said.

He and the Bulldogs (3-2) host Washington State (4-1) this Saturday at 4 p.m. at Valley Children’s Stadium as they look to rebound from a tough 59-14 loss at UNLV.

“Getting the win, getting back on track, that’s the most important thing, winning,” Bridges added.

The Rialto, California native has some fond memories of his last game against the Cougars, when Bridges was named Defensive MVP in the Bulldogs’ 29-6 victory over the Cougars in the 2022 Jimmy Kimmel Los Angeles Bowl at SoFi Stadium.

“Something Coach Teddy always said: hit back and hit high,” Bridges said, referring to the MVP performance in the LA Bowl in which he recorded eight tackles and two sacks, a career-best. “Looking back on memories and boosting your confidence, so that’s something that definitely helps.”

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