Kevin Everett ‘Standing Tall’ With New Book
February 1, 2008 by David Kindervater
Filed under Buffalo Bills, Kevin Everett
AP Photo/Jerry Lai
Blogging the National Football League, Blogging the NFL
A little over four months ago, Buffalo Bills TE Kevin Everett lay on the Ralph Wilson Stadium turf unable to move. After making a hit on a kick return against the Denver Broncos in both teams’ 2007 season opener, Kevin suffered a catastrophic and life-threatening injury that caused a fracture to his cervical spine. He was diagnosed a quadriplegic by team physicians right there on the field and it wasn’t believed he would ever again regain the ability to move.
I’ve been writing about Kevin’s injury since the day it happened. I first met Kevin at the Northwest Buffalo Community Center in November 2005, when he was a rookie. He and his fellow first-year teammates were serving Thanksgiving dinner there. Two years later (this past 2007 season), I took an opportunity to work the press box and locker room at all the Bills’ home games in Orchard Park. So I felt close to Kevin’s situation. And I talked with his teammates about his progress every time I saw them. I received numerous emails and comments about Kevin from those who knew him at one point in their lives and from others who had never heard of him before, but who were concerned about his status. Everyone had hopes that he would somehow recover to live a normal life again.
Kevin made his first public appearance yesterday on Oprah and his much-anticipated book, Standing Tall, is in stores today. You can win one of four copies, courtesy of Triumph Books, by simply commenting on this post. Keep reading.
I was anxious to get my hands on this book so I could somehow try to understand what Kevin has been through the past four months. I was hoping to hear what his life has been like because his is a story of triumph and recovery. Not only is Kevin walking again, he is improving each day and working toward living the normal life he once enjoyed.
As I turned to the first of 224 pages, my initial question was whether Kevin was aware of what was happening when the injury occurred. Did he know he was paralyzed? What did he remember about the hit and what was that moment like? You’ll find out in the chapter “Normalcy Turns to Terror.” This is an honest book. Author Sam Carchidi and Kevin weren’t afraid to tackle the personal and painful experiences on the road to recovery. It’s all in here. You’ll also get:
- The controversial medical procedure used on Kevin
- Specific entries from the personal journal of his fiance Wiande Moore
- Detailed accounts from his rigorous rehab the past four months
Kevin Everett is a walking miracle. He wasn’t supposed to have been able to recover from this injury. He wasn’t supposed to be walking around as he is today. When a doctor gives you 5% odds on ever walking again, your future isn’t looking very bright. But Kevin beat those odds. And he turned his situation into, as the front cover of this book states, a “remarkable story of love and recovery that captivated a nation.”
This is a wonderful and powerful story. And it affords Kevin the opportunity to share his heart. One of Kevin’s occupational therapists, Rafferty Laredo, said it best near the end of the book:
“I told him he has a very important story to tell. He has experienced something (amazing) and at this point, he has ears that are listening … and I think his experience is so important that people need to hear it. People need to hear about the power of the human spirit …”
I’ve got four copies of Standing Tall from my friends at Triumph. To be eligible to win one, just leave a comment on this post and the winners will be notified on February 15. Only one entry per person, please. You must enter a working email address to win. If you simply can’t wait and you want to order your book today, just click here. For my previous writings about Kevin, visit my Kevin Everett category page.
My name is Barbara. On the weekend before Christmas I woke up in severe shoulder and neck pain thinking I had slept wrong. I waited 4 days before going to the doctors. I met with my doctor and he initially diagnosed me with tendonitis. he prescribed a muscle relaxant, alleve and perocet. After 3 more days of complete pain no relief from the med meds I decided to go to the ER. I was diagnosed with a pinched nerve. After tests and MRI I’m diagnosed with a herniated disk in my c6-c7 with pressure on my c7 nerve. It a pain that is unbearable. When I heard that this football person had regained his ability to walk within 5 months of his tragic accident. I decided to watch the Oprah show to see this person for my self. I’ve been out of work for over a month and was told I would probably be out for at least 3 months-to allow my injury to heal. It was so encouraging to hear about Kevin’s on-going healing and to bear witness that God do answer prayers. Thankfully, I was given the go ahead today to return to work on Feb. 11, 2007. I hope many people to take the time and invest in his book. I had no clue to how many other people that are out there suffering every day with neck and back problems. This ailments can take it’s toll on your mind and spirit. Thank you for your story. Unfortunately, I’m financially in a bind and would deeply appreciate the opportunity to read his book in detail. Thank you for time. B
This looks like just the book I am needing, something with inspiration. I love it when someone overcomes the medical establishment to prove that they can – if their mind is strong – recover and do what they want.
Saw Kevin’s story on Nightline – wow – very inspiring and a faith-builder. Plan to get the book…
Kevin Everett story remind me of somewhat an injury that my husband receive in an motorcycle accident.My Husband had a broke neck.He had to wear a HALO for 9 months . One thing out of this i can say about Kevin Everett he remind of my husband.My husband determine that he would walk again to.He did’t give up an we prayed an ask GOD for a miracle.Today my husband is an walking miracle he have no pain.
your book was very inspiring. i am so happy that you were able to overcome this tragic event. good luck.
This is a very good book.Your book was very inspiring.I hope many people take the time and invest in his book.I got the book today.I cant stop reading it.I told my daughter she should this book .I pray that he will an shall get better an better each day. I just love this book.Kevin Everett you just keep STANDING TALL.
Standing Tall is a great book for all high school football players to read. A true documentation of the drive and sacrifice it takes to be a top player and individual.
I just wanted to say I was saddened to read Everett’s team had to cut him from the team. I was really hoping he would defy the odds and return to the field. I understand the reason-financially he would get more assistance by being cut. I’ll just keep praying for his body to heal completely. He book is so very inspiring.