Last September, Southern University wide receiver Devon Gales was playing a game against Georgia at Sanford Stadium when his life changed forever. Gales endured a brutal collision with Bulldog kicker Marshall Morgan, and he was unable to lift himself up off of the turf.
It’s a very sad story, but it’s also one that took an unexpectedly positive turn. Gales was embraced with open arms by the Georgia Bulldog community after the incident. From our story earlier this year:
"In conjunction with financial support and visits from well wishers, Georgia held a press conference on Thursday following his release from Atlanta's Shepherd Center to wish him well on his way home to Louisiana.
"Former Georgia star David Pollack emceed the event and offered words of encouragement to Gales and his family. Then, Athens, Georgia mayor Nancy Denson presented Gales with a certificate of honorary citizenship and the key to the city.
"But, the most surprising moment of the farewell press conference was the announcement by the Tragedy over Triumph Foundation that they would be building a brand new home for the Gales family that would be fully wheelchair accessible.”
Mark Richt played a huge role in all of this, but he’s since switched jobs. Richt is now the head coach at Miami (Fla.), and his bond with Gales is stronger than ever. See below:
This. Is. Awesome.
— ESPN CollegeFootball (@ESPNCFB) October 14, 2016
Miami will host former Southern player Devon Gales and his family at tomorrow's game vs. UNC. (via @MarkRicht) pic.twitter.com/2rLBr84M4Z
Really touching stuff. We wish Gales and his family the best.
