College Football Star Showing ‘Remarkable Strength’ After Paralyzing Injury

A college football star who was paralyzed below the neck following a catastrophic injury earlier this month is showing “remarkable strength and determination” on his road to recovery, his brother told People.

Jason Pugal, 20, was injured during practice at Nebraska’s Chadron State College earlier this month when “a devastating hit he enforced resulted in a severe neck injury, fracturing his neck and compressing his C6 vertebra,” according to a GoFundMe posted by Kyle Pugal to raise funds to bring his brother back home to California to recover.

The fundraiser (which is still open) has so far been successful. On August 26, Jason was taken from Nebraska to the Sharp Allison deRose Rehabilitation Center in San Diego. "Jason is beyond ecstatic to be home and he is smiling ear to ear. “He’s settling in and will be ready to start tomorrow!" Kyle said.

Jason, who is married to his high school sweetheart, underwent spinal surgery in order “to stabilize his neck and protect his spinal cord.” His father, Mark, told KABC that his son can now feel and slightly move part of his left hand.

In a statement, Chadron State College supported the Pugal family and all students affected by the tragedy. "The entire Chadron State College community, including the Athletic Department, supports Jason and his family, and our thoughts and prayers will continue to be with him and his family during this challenging time," a spokesperson told People. "Jason’s scholarship will continue to be honored and we wish him the best as he begins his rehabilitation."