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STILLWATER, Okla.(AP) The ovation surprised Artrell Woods.

Woods caught a 7-yard pass from on the final possession for No. 9 Oklahoma State in the Cowboys' 59-17 rout of Iowa State on Saturday. The otherwise unremarkable play was notable because it was Woods' first catch since he suffered a major back injury while lifting weights on July 13, 2007.

Woods rolled his ankle while carrying a 185-pound weight back to the rack on his shoulders, causing what doctors called a fracture dislocation of vertebrae and an incomplete spinal cord injury. Woods suffered temporary paralysis and wondered if he'd walk normally again, much less play football.

He spent 12 days in the hospital and wore a cumbersome back brace for about six months, but eventually recovered to the point that he was cleared to again play football.

Of the 46,718 fans at Boone Pickens Stadium, most knew his story, and so those who remained until the end gave a loud cheer when Woods caught the pass.

"It's a big relief," said Woods, a 6-foot-1, 200-pound sophomore from Bryan, Texas. "I didn't think I was going to get a standing ovation like I did. It really felt welcoming and it felt great. I'm glad everyone was still watching. I didn't think it would take this long, but it happens."

As a freshman, Woods played in all 13 games, catching two passes for nine yards. After a stellar spring game in 2007, he was expected to be a major contributor for the Cowboys before his injury. He ended up redshirting.

Woods has dealt with nagging knee problems this season and has played in only five games. Although he's played some with the Cowboys' starters, backup quarterback Alex Cate's pass was the first thrown Woods' way this season.

"It was nice for Artrell to get out there and get back in it," Oklahoma State coach Mike Gundy said. "He played some, and he's kind of getting back in it and into the speed of the game. It was good for him to get that catch.

"Artie's not an experienced player. Before he got injured he hadn't played very much. He's been working his way back, and he's been tremendous for us."

His teammates said they are thrilled that Woods is completely back.

"It's been a long time coming for him," fellow receiver Jeremy Broadway said. "He's been banged up and he's been a little down, but he'll get up, so it's real good to see that.

"God is good and He healed him and everything worked out."