Taking a Step Back
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The following article originally appeared on Sports of Boston on Sept. 10
Many times in sports we can take for granted the sacrifice that athletes make for their sports. Many times with serious injuries such as an ACL tear, separated shoulder or a broken ankle, fans and players deal with the loss and move on. Though sometimes - and it’s a miracle it doesn’t happen more often - the injuries are so severe that the loss of football playing time is irrelevant.
On Sunday, Bills tight end Kevin Everett, 25, sustained a horrific injury that may very well paralyze him for life. After he attempted to make a tackle on the second half opening kickoff against the Denver Broncos, Everett lay motionless until he was carted off by an ambulance and taken to the hospital.
After surgery on his neck and spine, information was released just hours ago that Everett is under sedation in the ICU and may never make a full recovery. From associated press story via ESPN.com: > > “A best-case scenario is full recovery, but not likely,” Dr. Andrew Cappuccino said, one day after performing a four-hour operation on the player. “I believe there will be some permanent neurological paralysis. … A full neurological recovery was bleak, dismal.”
Everett was not a superstar in the NFL, making just two catches for the Bills in 17 games and was used primarily on special teams.
Whether this was a backup tight end or a star quarterback, it must be remembered the sacrifice made by professional athletes and the risks they take putting their bodies on the line. It’s a surprise this sort of thing doesn’t happen more often, but it’s still a tragedy when it does.
All of us at SportsofBoston.com give Kevin, his family and all those affected our best wishes as they struggle through this trying time.
