ATLANTA, Ga. (WTVF) — Tennessee State linebacker Christion Abercrombie is known for his mega-watt smile but it's a smile many thought they might never see again after a horrific accident on the field threatened his life.
It happened September 29, 2018 in a game against cross-town rival Vanderbilt. During the game, Christion complained of a massive headache before collapsing on the sidelines.
Abercrombie was immediately rushed to Vanderbilt Medical where he underwent emergency brain surgery.
The surgery left Christion in a coma for several weeks, but slowly, eventually, he pulled through.
"[All I can say is] thank God," Christion told NewsChannel 5 this week in an exclusive interview from his home in Atlanta, "it's been a long journey, but God has helped me get back where I was."
Christion's parents, Derrick and Staci tell us they never gave up hope that their son would pull through.
"We prayed and then we had to let go," said Derrick, "we didn't have any control over it."
Staci added, "I just felt that I had to stand strong and declare the words of what God has promised us, and what I've been taught. It's just a blessing [to be able to see] his beautiful smile [again], we're just so thankful."
Christion continues to do rehabilitation for his motor skills and speech. He still has a long way to go, but he tells us he plans to someday return to the football field.
Meanwhile, Abercrombies have set up a GoFundMe page on Facebook. If you would like to contribute you can access the link here.
