Mike Utley

[PATRIOT64]

On the topic of Darryl Stingley I think the only other man to be paralyzed severely during an NFL game was Lions player Guard Mike Utley in 1991 in a game against the Rams I believe.

Has anyone ever seen him in any recent time to show any possible progress or something about him?

Was just wondering if he was able to improve on any of his disability like thru some type of rehab program or has he been able to walk a bit again or something miraculous like that?

Just never heard much about him since his injury ended his career.

 

[FloridaHerb]

"On February 15, 1999, after nearly eight years of grueling rehabilitation and tireless work with his Foundation, Utley stood up at a hotel in Phoenix and took his first steps since that fateful day in Detroit. His accomplishment served as inspiration for anyone in a wheelchair wondering about the possibility of walking again.

"What that showed was that hard work gets you further," he offered. "I'm not saying walking was the end-all, be-all but I never stopped pushing and trying. Productivity comes from within. You have to be able to get up every day and make things happen. Nothing is going to be handed to you. Everything I've ever gotten I have earned."

Utley, who lives in his home state of Washington, has been able to return to most of the activities he loved before his injury. He skis, scuba dives, sky dives, kayaks and rides seadoos. "

http://www.nflplayers.com/news/news_release.aspx?id=4397

 

[PATRIOT64]

"On February 15, 1999, after nearly eight years of grueling rehabilitation and tireless work with his Foundation, Utley stood up at a hotel in Phoenix and took his first steps since that fateful day in Detroit. His accomplishment served as inspiration for anyone in a wheelchair wondering about the possibility of walking again.

"What that showed was that hard work gets you further," he offered. "I'm not saying walking was the end-all, be-all but I never stopped pushing and trying. Productivity comes from within. You have to be able to get up every day and make things happen. Nothing is going to be handed to you. Everything I've ever gotten I have earned."

Utley, who lives in his home state of Washington, has been able to return to most of the activities he loved before his injury. He skis, scuba dives, sky dives, kayaks and rides seadoos. "

http://www.nflplayers.com/news/news_release.aspx?id=4397

Thats a nice story...Glad at least he was able to overcome a devastating hit. - Hope he is the last too!

 

[Box_O_Rocks]

Thank God for modern medicine...now if I can just get the anesthesiologist to limit the damage to a sore throat and by-pass the split-lip, chipped tooth, and tape-facial peel

 

[Fixit]

Dennis Byrd.

 

[ironwasp]

Dennis Byrd.

Yes, I remember Dennis Byrd, who wrote a very moving and inspirational book about his rehabilitation, and as much as I dislike the Jets, that organisation supported him brilliantly.

 

[Michigan Dave]

Utley is around in Detroit from time to time. He's a great inspirational story, and I believe he does speaking engagements.