WARNING:THIS POST CONTAINS GRAPHIC CONTENT

March 25 is a date that Colorado Rapids striker Kevin Doyle will no doubt have circled on his calendar for 2026 – something major could be brewing that day. It certainly has been a big day on the last two times the date was separated by a decade. Ten years apart, two major events in his career have occurred on that very date – the most recent is one he’d certainly like to forget.

Playing in an international friendly for the Irish national team on March 25, 2016, Doyle was severely injured, suffering a gash to his leg that required extensive surgery. The Rapids designated player said he expects to be jogging again in a few weeks. A timetable for his return to competitive play has not been announced.

The play did not initially appear so serious from the telecast, as the 32-year-old even tried to keep running for a bit after the initial collision. Doyle fell to the ground just a few steps after a leg-to-leg collision. He was seen writhing on the ground in pain for several minutes before being carried off on a stretcher, however.

A tweet Doyle sent from the hospital showing the extent of the injury revealed just how severe it really was.

https://twitter.com/KevinDoyle1983/status/713490018824691712

Fourteen hours after the initial image, Doyle sent out thanks and assurances that he’s doing better.

https://twitter.com/KevinDoyle1983/status/713694575286730753

March 25 was previously a banner day for Doyle, as ten years earlier it marked on of the greatest days in his professional career. On March 25, 2006, Doyle helped lead Reading FC to a 1-1 draw at Leicester City which secured a league title and promotion to the Premier League. A Doyle header leveled the score and ensure promotion.

Ten years on, Doyle shared some photo memories from that historic day via Talk Reading.

Doyle can at least be happy that his national side walked away this year with a victory. Ciaran Clark netted a header at three minutes to give Ireland a 1-0 victory over Switzerland.

It’s unlikely that Doyle will still be on the pitch in MLS on March 25, 2026 – he’ll be 42 at the time – but he’ll certainly have an eye on the date as it approaches. If fate continues on this same path, something big will be brewing.