The story of his recovery moves to a wider stage
Everyone has been amazed by Kevin Everett’s remarkable recovery from a serious spinal cord injury. Now he is ready to share his story about that experience and a lot more.
Chicago-based Triumph Books has published a book about the Buffalo Bills tight end titled “Standing Tall: The Kevin Everett Story.”
To help promote the book, Everett is about to embark on a nationwide media tour, according to Scott Rowland, head of publicity for Triumph Books.
Everett is scheduled to make a live appearance on the “Oprah Winfrey Show” next Thursday and will be on ABC’s “Good Morning America” the following day. “Standing Tall” was written by Philadelphia Inquirer sports columnist Sam Carchidi, who also co-authored a similar book about Adam Taliaferro’s recovery from a paralyzing tackle while playing defensive back for Penn State in 2000.
The 224-page biography covers all aspects of Everett’s life, from high school, junior college and his years as a standout at the University of Miami. The book deals with his time with the Bills, especially his traumatic injury and road to recovery that has captured the country’s attention. It is now available wherever books are sold.
It also details Everett’s upbringing in Texas, as well as his relationship with his fiancee, Wiande Moore. The book even includes excerpts of a personal journal Moore kept during Everett’s ordeal as well as pictures of his playing days and his continuing Rehabilitation.
Besides Oprah, Larry King, David Letterman, Jay Leno, Ellen DeGeneres, Regis Philbin and other television personalities have expressed interest in interviewing Everett as soon as possible, Rowland said.
Bob Woodruff, the ABC News correspondent who has recovered from a serious brain injury suffered while on assignment in Iraq, is currently in Houston shadowing Everett during his rehab for possible stories for the network and its sister station, ESPN.
Everett has come a long way since Sept. 9, when he crumpled to the turf at Ralph Wilson Stadium after colliding with return specialist Domenik Hixon during the second- half kickoff in the Bills’ season-opening game against the Denver Broncos.
Doctors initially feared he would never walk again after the operation, but the prognosis changed dramatically days later when he began to show movement in his extremities. Everett is now walking without assistance and attends regular therapy sessions as an outpatient at a rehab facility in his native Houston.
Since his release from the hospital in November, Everett has made few public appearances. He was able to attend the Bills’ regular season finale in December. Two weeks ago, he was the guest speaker of a football banquet at his former high school in Port Arthur, Texas.
By Allen Wilson – News Sports Reporter
