‘Christion Abercrombie Day’: Injured college football player to be honored Thursday

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The injury occurred just before halftime as Abercrombie took on a blocker, his former coach said. The 6-foot-1, 230-pound defensive standout later collapsed on the sideline and had to be rushed to the hospital for emergency surgery.

Doctors there determined he suffered from a number of strokes and had a severe brain injury. He was hooked up to a ventilator for two weeks before finally breathing on his own, AJC.com previously reported.

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Less than three months after his brain injury, Abercrombie walked out of rehab and was able to return home.

“Christion has faced challenges that some didn't think he would overcome, but by the grace of God, Christion is thriving through it all,” said his mother, Staci Abercrombie. “He is thankful, happy and looking forward to a brighter future."

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The former football player spends four days a week undergoing physical therapy at the Shepherd Center,  and doctors say he’s doing well, Staci Abercrombie said, adding that her son is walking and getting around on his own.

Credit: City of South Fulton

Credit: City of South Fulton

Abercrombie is still enrolled at Tennessee State and is completing a sports medicine degree online.

“I knew that he would recover because he’s such a fighter,” his mother said. “I just didn’t know how quickly.”

Thursday’s event at Westlake High starts at 6 p.m. and will include Abercrombie, his family and South Fulton Mayor Bill Edwards, city officials said. Staci Abercrombie said her son’s former football coaches from Little League through college also plan on attending.

“It’s going to be an awesome time as we celebrate (his) remarkable recovery,” she said.