Southern wide receiver Devon Gales told ESPN’s Paul Finebaum Show Monday that his strong faith and confidence has played a significant role while recovering from a neck injury he suffered during a game against Georgia this season.
Gales, who is now wheelchair-bound, returned to Sanford Stadium this past Saturday night, his first trip back to the site where the horrific injury took place.
“I was hesitant about coming out there,” he said on the national radio show. “But once I got some confidence from my family that everything would be OK, I went out and just thought about it. When I went out there, they (Georgia) treated me like family.”
During his time at Georgia, Gales had the opportunity to encounter Georgia kicker Marshall Morgan the player he collided with while blocking on a kickoff return on Sept. 26.
“I really enjoyed it,” Gales said about meeting Morgan. “I wanted to thank him for the blessing he gave me. He gave me a better look at everything just within football. The love from Georgia, the love from the fans, love from my hometown it’s been a true blessing.”
Since the injury, and even through the grueling rehabilitation, Gales vowed to “keep fighting ” and beating the odds “because there is always something good that his going to come with that.
“As long as you have faith and confidence in what you’re doing, I believe nothing will stop you,” he said.
Gales has received support in recent months from Georgia, Southern, the SWAC and even high-profile public figures.
“I’m just blessed to be here,” Gales said.
Gales’ appearance on the Paul Finebaum show can be heard here.
