(Gray News) – A 20-year-old college football player has a long road to recovery after becoming paralyzed from the chest down during practice, but his family says he is determined to one day walk again.
Jason Pugal, a 20-year-old junior safety at Chadron State College in Nebraska, suffered a life-changing neck injury during practice. His neck was broken and his C6 vertebra was compressed, according to a GoFundMe campaign for his family. He had to undergo two procedures, including a spinal fusion, at a South Dakota hospital.
The incident occurred on August 17 during a practice game in which players were wearing full gear, the North Platte Post reported.
“He had a collision. He tackled a receiver and unfortunately suffered a fracture in his neck,” Jason Pugal’s father, Mark Pugal, told KABC.
The likely career-ending injury left the 20-year-old paralyzed from the chest down. His family says he has a long road to recovery ahead of him and will have to undergo intensive rehabilitation.
Despite all of this, Jason Pugal remains optimistic and says he will be able to walk again one day, according to his brother Kyle Pugal. During his recovery, the 20-year-old is receiving support from his family, including his high school sweetheart and his wife of one year, KABC reports.
“I know he remains super strong, and he still inspires me with the words he tells me and his hope. He keeps affirming that he will walk again. He will be on his feet,” Kyle Pugal told KABC.
The family says they have raised enough money through GoFundMe to bring Jason Pugal to California for rehab. He will fly out on Monday.
“Our hearts are very heavy and we are all trying to remain as hopeful and faithful as our son because he is a truly remarkable human being,” Mark Pugal told KABC.
Jason Pugal recently transferred to Chadron State from Palomar College in San Diego. Despite the 20-year-old’s injury, Chadron State will maintain his football scholarship if he is able to return to campus, according to KABC.
Chadron State’s first football game of the season is scheduled for Thursday.
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