LIBERTY, Mo. (WDAF) – A Missouri family is facing the unimaginable after a tragic accident on the football field left their 14-year-old son partially paralyzed.

Julius Byers, a freshman at Liberty High School, was seriously injured during his first-ever high school football game and he’s now sharing his story.

“Keep praying because it’s working,” Julius said.

Those were some of the first words Julius told NewesNation local affiliate WDAF from his hospital room at Children’s Mercy a powerful message from a young man who, less than two weeks ago, suffered a life-altering injury while playing the game he loves.

Julius, an outdoorsy teen who loves to fish, had always dreamed of playing football.

His moment came during an away game against Lee’s Summit High School, he came in during the second quarter. For a few brief moments, it was everything he hoped for.

“Made a couple of plays, we’re all excited, then one play he made … ” William Byers, Julius’ father said.

That one play would change everything.

“I remember getting off the block, I get hit, and then I kind of like blacked out a little bit, and then I woke up,” Julius said.

He woke up to medical professionals surrounding him. He was placed on a stretcher and rushed to the hospital.

The diagnosis was devastating: three fractures in his neck, a concussion, and an incomplete spinal cord injury that has left both of his arms paralyzed.

He experienced terrible flashbacks and couldn’t think or look at anything related to football.
He has already undergone two surgeries.

“It’s very difficult to see your child in so much pain, so much hurt – even his mental state of what he’s going to be from now on, how he’s going to move on,” William Byers said.

The things we take for granted, like eating and bathing, he can’t alone anymore.

But when we talk about courage, it is saved for people like Julius Byers. When asked why he was smiling, despite the fact there is so much for him to be down on, he responded, “Just waking up every day, praying, thanking God for what he’s done for me and all my family and friends.”

Although he has lost the use of his arms, Julius is able to walk. He is expected to be out of school for at least six months, but he could be discharged from the hospital as early as this week.

His journey is far from over, but his dad believes his comeback will be great. A GoFundMe account has been created to support Julius and his family.