I remember it like it was yesterday. We were down by 6 in the 4th quarter with 14 seconds left and it was 4th and 12 on our own 22 yard line cause we lost yards on a previous play. We decided to go for it instead of punting the ball because I told the coach to give me this chance……this last play was either going to get us the win or take the whole team out of playoffs but I knew I had it in me. I believed in myself and the talent I was blessed with as quarterback so I felt confident enough to go for a long pass and get at least a first down. Our time out was over and it was time to put my skills to the test. I looked at each and every one of my teammates as we walked onto the field and we all felt something different about this last play…..it was more than a play, we felt a connection. We felt like we were one. All I remember is they snapped the ball to me and I was looking for a receiver. My heart was beating fast and I was nervous but all I was thinking about was making the perfect pass, and that was when I found #26 approaching our opponents 13 yard line and without giving it a second thought I threw the ball as hard as I could but immediately after releasing it I felt a sharp pain in my lower back. All I remember after that is looking up at my coach and some medics after I apparently blacked out. They told me I had been tackled after throwing the ball and the impact damaged my spinal cord and when I hit my head on the floor I lost memory of what occurred. Luckily he caught the ball and we won by 1 point after making the PAT. After going to the doctor I was informed that the spinal injury I suffered wouldn’t allow me to play any sports that involved constant, rapid movement or heavy contact. This is what ended what could have possibly become my future as a college and maybe even professional quarterback but I guess everything happens for a reason…..
