Nearly two years after a routine football play changed Perris Jones’ life forever, he’s back at the place where it happened. Jones said walking back onto the field at Louisville’s L&N Stadium was emotional. “For a minute, I didn’t really have the words to explain it,” Jones said. “Playing the game that you love for so long and then having it kind of taken away from you in a sense, is rough.”Jones’ football career ended on Nov. 9, 2023, when he collided with a UofL defensive back on a routine play. His spinal cord was compressed, temporarily paralyzing him from the chest down. Jones was rushed to UofL hospital, where he underwent surgery and rehabilitation. “Not being able to function as you have been able to for the majority of your life and do the things that you’ve been able to do is pretty difficult. You know, it puts you in a rough mental space, but working out of it was a privilege,” Jones said.He did just that, thanks to the doctors at UofL’s Frazier Rehab Center. Three weeks after the injury, Jones was able to walk out of the hospital with a full range of motion, and a lot more members in his family. “I have probably about 50 or 60 additional aunts and uncles at this point,” Jones said, laughing. “They embraced my family, and they embraced me. And you can’t ask for more than that.”Since then, Jones has written a memoir detailing his battle with adversity and begun a career as a motivational speaker. But, he said, there’s more he’d like to accomplish. That’s why he has decided to return to the University of Louisville as a student. Jones will get his PhD in educational leadership and organizational development in sports administration. Jones said he’d like to eventually start a nonprofit organization.”I just want to give kids who didn’t really have an opportunity, a chance, you know?” Jones said.When asked why Jones chose to further his education at UofL, he pointed to the people he’s met through this journey.”The people are going to take you further than the degree will, in my opinion. So I’d rather be around special and unique individuals. And I feel like Louisville is packed with those,” Jones said.

LOUISVILLE, Ky. —

Nearly two years after a routine football play changed Perris Jones’ life forever, he’s back at the place where it happened.

Jones said walking back onto the field at Louisville’s L&N Stadium was emotional.

“For a minute, I didn’t really have the words to explain it,” Jones said. “Playing the game that you love for so long and then having it kind of taken away from you in a sense, is rough.”

Jones’ football career ended on Nov. 9, 2023, when he collided with a UofL defensive back on a routine play.

His spinal cord was compressed, temporarily paralyzing him from the chest down.

Jones was rushed to UofL hospital, where he underwent surgery and rehabilitation.

“Not being able to function as you have been able to for the majority of your life and do the things that you’ve been able to do is pretty difficult. You know, it puts you in a rough mental space, but working out of it was a privilege,” Jones said.

He did just that, thanks to the doctors at UofL’s Frazier Rehab Center.

Three weeks after the injury, Jones was able to walk out of the hospital with a full range of motion, and a lot more members in his family.

“I have probably about 50 or 60 additional aunts and uncles at this point,” Jones said, laughing. “They embraced my family, and they embraced me. And you can’t ask for more than that.”

Since then, Jones has written a memoir detailing his battle with adversity and begun a career as a motivational speaker.

But, he said, there’s more he’d like to accomplish. That’s why he has decided to return to the University of Louisville as a student.

Jones will get his PhD in educational leadership and organizational development in sports administration. Jones said he’d like to eventually start a nonprofit organization.

“I just want to give kids who didn’t really have an opportunity, a chance, you know?” Jones said.

When asked why Jones chose to further his education at UofL, he pointed to the people he’s met through this journey.

“The people are going to take you further than the degree will, in my opinion. So I’d rather be around special and unique individuals. And I feel like Louisville is packed with those,” Jones said.