yes one of the injuries i had is ACL tear and had to do a reconstructive surgery back in 1986. it took then 6 months to be full in action such as water ski jumping and other vigorous and rough sports. i don't do team sports with high impact like the football ..etc. but since then it has been great and no problem if the surgery to be done by a very good surgeon. Now days i believe recovery times have improved a good bit but nothing works well without your full commitment to the physiotherapy program that you will be instructed to do by your therapist . this is very crucial to speedy and proper recovery and response to the operation.
Naturally your pain will go away without surgery but without one you are not safe to play football as you could have a full knee rupture without the ligament , you know ligaments when ruptured don't repair themselves but pain goes away . don't be fooled by relief of pain .