Georgetown football player Ty Williams was an inspiration at graduation Saturday when he walked for the first time after being paralyzed from a hit during a 2015 game.
The room filled with cheers as the senior stood up from his wheelchair and walked across the stage with the help of a brace and walker to get his diploma. It was the first time Williams has walked in two-and-a-half years. He graduated with a degree in Government, according to Sports Illustrated.
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The former linebacker has been in a wheelchair since he suffered a spinal cord injury on September 5, 2015, when the Hoyas played against Saint Francis University in Pennsylvania. It happened during what was supposed to be just a routine tackle.
During his two-plus years of rehabilitation, his teammates said he never showed he was depressed and always kept the same upbeat attitude, according to the Hoya.
Williams remained on the roster and kept active with the team for the next two seasons going to practices, meetings and games.
“We know football is going to end at some point, so you have time to work yourself to that end, but for Ty, it was taken so instantly and for him to keep going on, keep working, keep smiling and enjoying everything he’s done has given us the confidence and the courage that we will be able to do the same, and no matter what happens, we will be okay,” junior cornerback Jelani Williamson shared at the time.