VANCOUVER A little more than a year ago, doctors said 22-year-old Tyler Burton might live in a vegetative state forever. His parents were even talking about donating his organs. But on Friday night, Burton was back on the football field.
He wasn t quite playing, but he s getting closer every day. Burton was a running back at Shasta College in California when he suffered a traumatic brain injury. A stranger punched him in the head as he walked down the street.
KGW has been following Burton's story since last October, and saw the most progress yet Friday night.
Background: Vancouver's Tyler Burton talks about recovery
He was paralyzed and could not move his arm, and look at him now, said Burton s father Roger.
For the first time since his injury, Burton and his dad went back to the football field to watch Mountain View High School, Burton's alma mater.
Burton couldn t help but compare himself to the players he sees speed past him. The truth is, what he has accomplished is much more impressive than what's happening on any field.
Nine months ago, he was barely able to move around on his own. The hard work at rehab paid off. He recently started standing and walking without a cane, and he's gaining much more function on his previously frozen left side.
He may be on the sidelines now but Burton is determined to change that.
Some person came to the house today and said The last time I saw you, you were in a wheelchair, Burton said. And that felt good. I might not be able to run like that, but it will come.
A judge recently sent Burton's attacker to prison. Ultimately, Burton wants to get out there and play himself, but first, he's hoping to start coaching other young football talent.
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KGW reporter Reggie Aqui contributed to this report.
