What Advice Would You Give Yourself?

You certainly do not have to be an Ohio State football fan or follower of the game to want to know this story. It’s one that I remembered hearing on the news shortly after it happened. And one that I will never forget after hearing more about what happened from the man himself, 17 years later.

This is the remarkable story of Tyson Gentry—a tale of courage, perseverance, and the unwavering strength of the human spirit. It's a narrative that will leave an indelible mark on your heart and inspire you to face your own challenges head-on.

Tyson grew up cheering for Ohio State and his dream was to play for the Buckeyes. He set goals, worked hard, and eventually earned the opportunity to be a part of the team he loved.

Tyson was a preferred walk-on (receiver/punter) for Ohio State in 2004. During a team scrimmage his sophomore year in 2006, he sustained a C-4 spinal cord injury resulting in him being paralyzed, losing all movement and sensation from the neck down. After surgery, he regained limited mobility in his arms.

Gentry never lost consciousness on the practice field. He remembers making the catch in traffic and getting tackled. He remembers his head hitting the ground. He remembers his neck snapping. Then came the worst concern any player can have for himself.

"I knew something was wrong right away," Gentry said. "But at the same time, I wanted to give it a few seconds and hope it just went away. I didn't know if it was a stinger or what. 

“It didn’t go away. Then, everything sinks in slowly."

This is where my mind begins to race with thoughts of devastation, disbelief, pain, and righteous anger. One, if I was in his position, two if he was my son. I simply can’t find the words for how I’d feel let alone handle the situation. 

Again, I share this from the perspective of physically being in the same room with Tyson, seeing him in his wheelchair, hearing him recall the moment it happened and the many moments in the hospital that followed. 

I’m sorry if this breaking your heart and makes you feel a bit uncomfortable, but I promise there’s something super amazing coming. 

While being scared, hurt and sad, he shared that only one-time, a few months after the accident did he have a problem with the, ‘Why me?’ part of it. 

If you’re like me, you have to be asking, How is that possible? 

Yes, Tyson had the love and care of his amazing family by his side. Yes, he and is family had unwavering faith and knew God was there with him also. He had tremendous support from Coach Tressel, the entire coaching staff, teammates, and Buckeye Nation. 

Thousands of letters came pouring in encouraging Tyson, letting him know he was on the minds, hearts, and in the prayers of many people. However, as time passed the amount and frequency of those cards and letters decreased. 

His parents saw him slipping into a depressed state, and begin to struggle with the very natural question – Why me?’

That’s when his parents came across another encouraging note that they shared with Tyson. It was short, but powerful…

“Never give up. No matter how much adversity you face. You can always overcome anything. There are many people who believe in you.”

There was no name written on the note, but those words and that perspective reframed his attitude and lifted his spirit. That message meant so much to him, he pinned it to the message board in his room and read it often for the next few days. 

Now, here's the kicker: that note wasn't from some anonymous well-wisher. It was Tyson's own words, penned during a tough time in his freshman year at Ohio State. Talk about a full-circle moment, right?

So, let me pose a question to you: what message would you write to yourself in your darkest hour? Take a moment to ponder that, because as Tyson's journey teaches us, sometimes the greatest source of strength lies within ourselves.

"It puts a lot of things in perspective," Tyson said. "Before I was injured, I looked back and thought certain things would give me a bad day, or my day is going poorly. Now, I don't focus on the little things. I focus on the things I have control over, on the positive things.

 "I've grown from this and can only get stronger from this."

In 2014, Tyson and his wife, Megan, started New Perspective Foundation. The mission was simple: make sure families can be together after someone sustains a spinal cord injury. New Perspective helps families with their travel expenses (airfare, lodging, gas, rental car, etc.), so they can afford to be at the hospital bedside of their loved one while he or she is recovering from a spinal cord injury.

Today, Tyson and Megan have two boys, Adam and Ryan. Tyson’s faith has only grow stronger. One of his favorite bible verses is Romans 8:28. “And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose.” According to Tyson, that means a lot of good can come from a bad situation. All the pain, sadness and suffering can build something stronger and present wonderful opportunities that otherwise may never have come. 

Man, do I have a lot to learn. Thank You Tyson! 

Wishing you a healthy and positive perspective,

Brock

P.S. Don’t give someone else advice you wouldn’t give yourself.  - Tyson Gentry