A Missouri family is holding on to hope and faith after a tragic football accident changed their son’s life forever. Julius Byers, a 14-year-old freshman at Liberty High School, was seriously injured during his very first high school football game — an experience that would leave him partially paralyzed but not without determination.
In the face of unimaginable pain, Julius is choosing to stay positive, inspiring his community with his courage and faith.
The Game That Changed Everything
Julius had always dreamed of playing football. An outdoorsy teen who loves fishing and spending time in nature, he couldn’t wait for his chance to finally suit up for Liberty High School.
That opportunity came during an away game against Lee’s Summit High School. Julius entered the game during the second quarter and made a couple of plays. Everything seemed perfect—until one moment changed his life.
“I remember getting off the block, I get hit, and then I kind of blacked out a little bit,” Julius recalled. “Then I woke up.”
When he opened his eyes, he was surrounded by medics and couldn’t move his arms. He was immediately rushed to Children’s Mercy Hospital in Kansas City.
The Diagnosis: Neck Fractures and Spinal Cord Injury
Doctors confirmed the worst. Julius had:
- Three fractures in his neck
- A concussion
- An incomplete spinal cord injury
The injury left both of his arms paralyzed. Though he is thankfully able to walk, he can no longer do many basic tasks on his own — such as eating or bathing.
Julius has already undergone two surgeries, and his recovery process is just beginning. Doctors have said he’ll be out of school for at least six months, but there’s hope that he could be discharged from the hospital as early as this week.
A Family’s Pain and a Young Boy’s Faith
For Julius’s parents, the past few weeks have been heartbreaking.
“It’s very difficult to see your child in so much pain,” said William Byers, Julius’s father. “Even his mental state — what he’s going to be from now on, how he’s going to move on.”
Despite everything, Julius remains positive and grateful.
“Just waking up every day, praying, thanking God for what he’s done for me and all my family and friends,” he said, with a smile.
Those were some of the first words he shared from his hospital bed:
“Keep praying because it’s working.”
The Road Ahead for Julius
The road to recovery will be long and challenging. He may face years of rehabilitation, therapy, and emotional healing. But those who know Julius believe in his strength. His father is confident his son will make a powerful comeback.
To support the family during this time, a GoFundMe page has been created. The money raised will help with medical bills, therapy costs, home adjustments, and day-to-day care needs.
How You Can Help
Here’s how the community and supporters across the country can make a difference:
- Donate to Julius’s GoFundMe to support medical and recovery expenses
- Share his story to raise awareness of the risks in youth sports and the power of resilience
- Send prayers and positive messages to encourage Julius and his family
Even though the injury has taken away the use of his arms, it hasn’t taken away his spirit. Julius Byers is a true example of strength, and his story is far from over.
In the blink of an eye, Julius Byers’s life took a dramatic turn. But his strength, positivity, and unwavering faith show the world what real courage looks like.
As he continues his recovery journey, Julius reminds us all to be thankful for the small things, stay hopeful in hard times, and never give up—even when the odds feel overwhelming.
