Former Bills Star Paralyzed After 18-Year Battle with Cervical Spine Injury

Buffalo, NY – April 30, 2025

Former Buffalo Bills tight end Kevin Everett now faces full paralysis, 18 years after a catastrophic cervical spine injury ended his NFL career, sources close to the family told ESPN’s Adam Schefter. Once a symbol of hope for Bills Mafia, Everett’s enduring battle with spinal cord damage has taken a devastating turn, stirring emotions across Buffalo.

On September 9, 2007, Everett, then 25, collided with a Denver Broncos player during a special teams play, fracturing and dislocating his C3-C4 vertebrae. The life-threatening injury, initially deemed likely to cause permanent paralysis, sparked a miraculous early recovery at Millard Fillmore Gates Hospital, where hypothermia therapy aided his mobility. By December 2007, he walked at Ralph Wilson Stadium, inspiring fans.

“Everett’s courage defined us,” Brandon Beane told The Buffalo News’ Ryan O’Halloran. “His fight uplifted Allen and our team.”

Despite walking again, Everett’s spinal cord damage persisted, requiring ongoing therapy. Over 18 years, complications and progressive nerve deterioration eroded his mobility. By 2025, sources confirm he is fully paralyzed, confined to a wheelchair, a heartbreaking outcome for the player who defied odds. Bills Mafia has rallied, launching fundraisers for his care.

“He’s a warrior,” said NFL Network’s Bucky Brooks. “Everett’s legacy inspires Allen’s Super Bowl quest.”

The Bills, with a 2025 draft featuring Maxwell Hairston, continue their championship chase, but Everett’s plight resonates deeply. James Cook, whose 1,086 rushing yards fueled 2024, called Everett “a hero who shaped our grit.” Beane, managing a $5.3 million cap, plans a tribute at Highmark Stadium to honor Everett’s resilience.

Everett’s 2007 recovery, once dubbed a “medical miracle,” captivated the NFL. His high school coach, Mike Young, noted he remained a mentor despite pain. Fan donations in 2007 raised $200,000 for spinal research, a legacy Everett cherished. Josh Allen vowed to dedicate a 2025 win to him.

As Bills Mafia mourns Everett’s condition, his spirit endures, uniting a fanbase behind Allen’s 4,306-yard passing attack. The Bills pledge ongoing support for their fallen star.