Everett Undergoes Surgery, Faces Paralysis

by Sooze, Babes Love Baseball

After injuring his spine Sunday, Buffalo Bills reserve tight end Kevin Everett underwent surgery, with concern on whether he will be able to walk again, let alone play football.

During the second half-opening kickoff against the Denver Broncos, Everett smashed his head into Domenik Hixon's chest on the tackle. Everett fell to the ground, and remained unconscious until he was placed on a stretcher and loaded into an ambulance at the Broncos' 30.

Bills GM Marv Levy, who was careful not to speculate, informed the media that doctors say it's too early to determine the severity of the injury and they should know more after overnight observation.

Updated below

According to unknown sources at the hospital late Sunday night, Everett is out of surgery and in Intensive Care on a respirator after surgeons removed his third and fourth vertebrae. The word in the Broncos' locker room was that Everett was indeed paralyzed, though Bills spokespersons would neither confirm nor deny the news.

From the AP Monday afternoon: Everett will spend one to two days under sedation as doctors evaluate the extent of a severe spinal injury that could leave him paralyzed.

Of course, this injury recalled memories of the 1991 Mike Utley tragedy. The former Detroit Lions guard was paralyzed below the chest after he injured his neck in a collision.

"I'm sorry this young man got hurt," Utley offered. "It wasn't a cheap shot. It was a great form tackle and that's it."

Second Update:

Good news on the Everett front, as he regained voluntary movement of his arms and legs on Tuesday, according to a report from WIVB-TV.

Dr. Cappuccino says that his prognosis "has improved dramatically" and that we "may be witnessing a minor miracle." Awesome.