Navy QB Worth sees both sides of ‘Next Man Up’

Joni Mitchell wrote her ballad Both

Sides, Now in the 1960s. That’s long before Will Worth was born. But he can relate.

Worth was Navy’s backup quarterback when the season began. An injury thrust him into the starting lineup, where he thrived. Then, last week, an injury ended his season only days from the crucible of Army-Navy.

“Next Man Up” is a mantra for Navy football. Worth was next when Tago Smith went down with a torn anterior cruciate ligament in the season opener. Now Zach Abey is next after Worth’s journey from broken records to broken foot.

“I’m trying to embrace” Next Man Up, Worth told USA TODAY Sports on Thursday. “It’s been a wild ride this year, that’s for sure. And now, being on both sides of that whole concept, I’m just trying to help Zach get ready to go.”

That’s why Worth is waiting until next week before he has surgery to repair his right foot.

“I’ve been at practice, meeting with him a little extra,” Worth said, “making sure he’s got a good grasp on things.”

Navy traditionally has a bye the week before Army. This year, the Midshipmen played Temple in the American Athletic Conference championship game. There they lost running back Toneo Gulley and Worth on one stunningly unfortunate play in a 34-10 loss.

“It wasn’t a hit or anything,” Worth said. “I just kind of planted on it and felt it pop.”

Seniors Gulley and Worth each got X-rayed in the locker room — and each got the bad news: out for Army, out for the bowl game, out for their careers.

“We were both hurting,” Worth said. “But we both realize there is still work to be done” — namely, supporting the Next Man Up.

“When I’ve talked to (Abey) about everything, he’s definitely been able to keep his head and stay confident,” Worth said. “It’s just football. You’ve got to go out and do your job and things will be good to go.”

It will be months before Worth’s foot is good to go.

“I fractured the fifth metatarsal, so it’s the bone behind the pinkie toe on my right foot about midway back,” he said. “And next Friday I’m going to get surgery. They’ll throw a screw in it, and it’ll be a 12- to 14-week recovery.”

Worth won’t get a storybook ending to his storybook season. He had 25 rushing touchdowns, tops in the Football Bowl Subdivision, and fashioned the best passing efficiency rating in Navy history. Next best: Roger Staubach, 1962.

“Just to be able to play,” Worth said, “I’ll take that as a blessing.”

His blessing, of course, was Smith’s curse.

“Being on the other side of it now,” Worth said, “I really feel for Tago.”

Joni Mitchell would understand.

I’ve looked at life from both sides now From win and lose and still somehow It’s life’s illusions I recall ...