Just 16 days after weightlifting accident crushed his neck, University of Southern California running back Stafon Johnson was released from the hospital on Wednesday.

Johnson was injured back on September 28th when a bar reportedly carrying 275 pounds slipped from his hand and crushed his throat.

The senior tailback was all smiles as doctors spoke of Johnson's quick recovery from major reconstructive throat surgery at a news conference on Wednesday. Johnson had his larynx realigned and doctors are hopeful that he will speak again.

"As an athlete, Stafon already has the mental ability to push through many obstacles," said Dr. Jason Hamilton, a throat specialist who is part of Johnson's medical team. "I think he's done that thus far. He's made extreme progress to this date, and we expect him to continue to make progress."

With a lengthy rehabilitation still in front of him, Johnson is content to be a Trojans fan for now. He watched USC's victory at California on Oct. 3 on television with his mother.

As far as Johnson's chances of ever playing football again, doctors do no think that is totally out of the realm of possibility, but he has a long road in front of him.

"I think that the majority of that is in the hands of Stafon," said Dr. Ryan Osborne. "I don't think any physician can tell a player if they're going to play again."

While his doctors spoke, Johnson wrote a message with red marker on a sheet of paper.

"Fight on. Beat the Irish," it said.