LOUISVILLE, Ky. — A University of Virginia football player is heading home two and a half weeks after suffering a serious injury while playing the University of Louisville.
Senior running back Perris Jones underwent spine surgery at UofL Hospital after taking a hard hit during the second half of the game on Nov. 9 at L&N Stadium. He laid motionless on the field for several minutes before he was loaded onto a stretcher.
After surgery, Jones went through physical and occupational rehab at the Frazier Rehabilitation Institute. According to a news release, Jones has made "tremendous progress" and is now healthy for travel to continue his recovery in Virginia.
A discharge celebration was held at the Frazier Rehab center Tuesday afternoon. Supporters lined up near the exit to greet Jones with signs saying, "We are so proud of you." Jones was seen hugging the medical staff who helped set him on his path back to normalcy.
"I don't consider you guys doctors, you guys are all aunts and uncles [now], whether you like it or not," said Jones with a laugh, at a news conference prior to the celebration.
Jones described the scary moments, saying he "couldn't feel anything" immediately following the hit.
The running back caught a 7-yard pass from Anthony Colandrea and was starting to run upfield when he fumbled after a hard hit on his helmet by Cam’Ron Kelly with several other Cardinals nearby. The game was delayed for several minutes as trainers and medical professionals tended to Jones.
"I closed my eyes and said a quick prayer, and told the Lord that I was listening," Jones said.
Players from both teams knelt for about 15 minutes as Jones was treated and gently lifted onto the board with his head wrapped between two pads, and then onto the cart as Cavaliers players gathered around.
Doctors reacted quickly, later performing surgery on Jones' spine. UofL Health staff told reporters they knew Jones' life was never in danger, but their concern was any neurological damage -- and whether he'd be able to stand and walk again.
On Tuesday, he did both again for the public to see.
"[You spend] your whole life working toward something, and then it's seemingly gone in a moment's notice," Jones said. "It was rough to admit, but I'm thankful for his guidance to let me know that it's not the end of something, but rather the beginning."
Jones was transferred to a rehab facility on Nov. 19. Virginia Football said after Jones’ successful surgery, he was able to walk “briefly” but needed continued care.
Jones will continue his rehab in Virginia. He says while he knows his football career is likely over, he has big plans for a future of using his platform to help others -- especially those living in disadvantaged communities.
"I really think he has a 'change the world' in him somewhere, so I encourage you all to keep watch for him," Jones' father Stevie Jones said.
You can donate to Jones' GoFundMe to help in his recovery at this link.
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