Florida Football Coach Rallies Team After Player’s Devastating Amputation
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iStock/Thinkstock(TAMPA BAY, Fla.) — A Florida high school football coach delivered a rousing speech a week after one of his players had to have his leg amputated because of a football injury.
“The character that is in your heart. The blood that pumps through your veins,” head coach Jeremy Frioud said in a speech to the Northeast Vikings before they played their first game since teammate Leshawn Williams was carried off the field with an injury that resulted in his leg being partially amputated.
“Make sure there’s no chance that you ever take that road,” Frioud said. “That you never are a coward. That you never step away from adversity.
As he spoke, Frious’ new tattoo of Williams’ jersey number could be seen in footage taken by ABC News affiliate WFTS-TV in Tampa Bay, Fla.
The Northeast Vikings played East Lake High School Friday night, and although the team lost 49-14, Frioud said he wouldn’t have it any other way.
“I am so proud of you and how you have rebounded this week. How you have refused to make an excuse,” he said.
After the game, East Lake High School gave Frioud a donation to help Williams with his medical costs.
Williams reportedly developed a blood clot as a result of the injury that forced doctors to amputate part of his leg.
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