Kevin Everett facts for kids
Everett walks onto the field to receive the George Halas award during halftime of the Seattle Seahawks and Buffalo Bills game on September 7, 2008
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| No. 85 | |||||
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| Position: | Tight end | ||||
| Personal information | |||||
| Born: | February 5, 1982 Port Arthur, Texas, U.S. |
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| Height: | 6 ft 4 in (1.93 m) | ||||
| Weight: | 253 lb (115 kg) | ||||
| Career information | |||||
| High school: | Thomas Jefferson (Port Arthur, Texas) |
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| College: |
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| NFL Draft: | 2005 / Round: 3 / Pick: 86 | ||||
| Career history | |||||
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| Career highlights and awards | |||||
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| Career NFL statistics | |||||
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| Player stats at PFR | |||||
Kevin Everett (born February 5, 1982) is a former American football player. He played as a tight end for the Buffalo Bills in the National Football League (NFL). The Bills chose him in the third round of the 2005 NFL draft.
He played college football for the Miami Hurricanes. Before that, he played for Kilgore College. At Kilgore, his team had a perfect season in 2001.
On September 9, 2007, Kevin's football career ended. He suffered a serious neck injury during a game. Doctors were worried he might not walk again. But just two days later, he started moving his arms and legs! This gave doctors hope. Kevin worked hard in rehab. On December 23, 2007, he walked in public for the first time. This happened at Ralph Wilson Stadium before a Bills game. His amazing recovery inspired many people.
Contents
Early Life and High School
Kevin Everett grew up in Port Arthur, Texas. He went to Thomas Jefferson High School. He played football there for three years. In his senior year (2000), he earned special honors. He was named Class 5A All-State.
College Football Journey
Kilgore College Years
Kevin Everett first attended Kilgore College in Kilgore, Texas. He played there for two years. He was chosen as a top player in his junior college conference twice. He was even ranked the second-best junior college player in the country. In his second year, he caught 18 passes for 310 yards and scored 2 touchdowns.
University of Miami Experience
After Kilgore, Kevin moved to the University of Miami. He continued to play football there. His strong performance at Miami led to him being drafted by the Buffalo Bills. He was the 86th player chosen overall in the 2005 NFL Draft.
Professional Career with the Bills
In 2005, Kevin Everett joined the Buffalo Bills. He was the second tight end the Bills drafted in two years. Unfortunately, Kevin faced injuries early in his career. He missed the entire 2005 NFL season due to a knee injury. This happened on his very first day at a Bills mini-camp. He was placed on lists for injured players.
Kevin returned to play in 2006. He mostly played on special teams. On September 10, 2006, he started his first NFL game. This was against the New England Patriots. On October 1, 2006, he made his first NFL catch. It was a one-yard gain.
His Career-Ending Injury and Recovery
On September 9, 2007, Kevin's life changed. It was Week 1 of the 2007 NFL season. He was playing against the Denver Broncos. While trying to tackle a player, he suffered a severe neck injury. He was taken off the field by ambulance. He had emergency surgery at a hospital.
Doctors described his injury as a fracture and dislocation of his cervical spine. This meant his spinal cord was badly hurt. At first, doctors were very concerned. They said he might not regain much movement. They even called his outlook "bleak."
However, Kevin showed amazing progress. On September 11, just two days after the injury, he moved his arms and legs. This was a huge step forward. Doctors became more hopeful. One doctor, Dr. Barth Green, even said Kevin might walk again. He believed a special cooling treatment given right after the injury helped a lot. This treatment was like an "ice-pack for his spinal cord."
Kevin continued to improve. By September 12, he could wiggle his toes. He was also able to breathe on his own. On September 14, he started moving his right hand. By September 17, he could move both hands. His leg strength was also getting better.
Road to Recovery
By October 1, 2007, Kevin moved to Houston. This was closer to his family. He began a long rehabilitation program there. Doctors were optimistic he would walk again. His age, physical condition, and quick treatment helped him. On October 16, it was reported he could walk "to an extent." He was released from the hospital to continue rehab as an outpatient.
On December 7, Kevin could walk on his own. He still didn't have full movement. He was featured on the cover of Sports Illustrated magazine. The article shared his story of injury and recovery. On December 23, 2007, Kevin made a public appearance. He walked onto the field at Ralph Wilson Stadium. This was a very emotional moment for fans.
In 2008, Kevin continued to inspire. On January 31, he attended Super Bowl XLII. He sat with NFL commissioner Roger Goodell. That same day, he appeared on Oprah. He clearly walked under his own power.
Kevin had another surgery on April 9, 2008, for neck pain. On May 12, the Bills released him. This allowed him to get lifetime disability benefits. The Bills made sure he played three full seasons. This way, he qualified for a full pension.
On July 20, 2008, Kevin received the Jimmy V award. This award is for perseverance. He was honored for his incredible recovery. He defied the odds and "never gave up." This was a message from Jim Valvano, who the award is named after. Kevin also served as the grand marshal for a NASCAR race.
In 2012, the Bills website interviewed Kevin. He said the five years since his injury had flown by. He was happy people still remembered him. He wished they remembered him for his plays. But he was grateful they remembered his journey. Kevin still loves being close to the game of football.
