MIAMI-DADE COUNTY, Fla. – A South Florida high school football player who suffered a devastating injury on the football field last September has returned home and is on the way to recovery as a community continues to rally behind him.
It was Frederick “Cheeks” Climpson’s first JV game for Homestead Senior High School. His sister Asia Climpson said he was very excited about the game and especially excited when he scored his first touchdown.
It’s the moment he had waited for.
However, Climpson wouldn’t finish his first game. During the third quarter, he collided helmet-to-helmet with another player. Climpson broke his neck and injured his spine. The 15-year-old sophomore was rushed to the hospital.
Climpson was able to move his shoulders, but family members told Local 10 News last September that he was placed on a ventilator, given a feeding tube and spent three months in the hospital for a life-altering spinal cord injury.
On Friday, Local 10 News spoke with the courageous teen who is glad to be back home and surrounded by his loved ones.
“I appreciate all them for the support,” Climpson said.
Former Football players from Christopher Columbus Senior High have raised thousands of dollars for Climpson to help with the medical costs and long-term care.
“Very proud of our brothers,” football coach Ed Lopez told Local 10 News last October. “You know, we stand strong in solidarity, and we want Frederick to know we have his back.
Several Miami Dolphins players have also stepped up to help lift Climpson’s spirits by providing him with signed helmets and personal jerseys.
“It’s been a difficult, difficult journey but each day things get better,” said Camille Harrison, Climpson’s mother. “He probably had dreams of playing against those players, but those dreams were shattered, so for him to have the opportunity to meet them one-on-one, that made me happy for him.”
But Climpson’s biggest inspiration has come from Felton Brown, a former high school football player who also became paralyzed playing the game he loved.
“Look man, when I talk to Fred, I’m talking to myself,” Brown said. “It’s been four months for him. It’s been 25 years for me.”
The strong bond between Brown and Climpson has gone on for several months and is not only encouraging but contagious.
“It helps me get through the day sometimes,” Climpson said. “He tells me to stay strong and positive and keep going.”
Climpson’s family has started a GoFundMe to help with his specialized transportation and increased therapy sessions that they say insurance doesn’t cover.
If you would like to help by donating, click here.