Devon Gales Surprised Before Heading Home

Southern University  defensive back Devon Gales suffered a severe spinal cord injury on a kickoff return against the University of Georgia football team on Sept. 26. 

Related Story: Georgia Football Alumni Matthew Stafford Paints for a Cause

Over the past five months, Gales has been rehabilitating and going through therapy in Atlanta, Georgia, and on Wednesday, he was finally released and free to head home to Louisiana.

Before Gales could head home, he had to make a visit to the University of Georgia campus to thank those that have helped him through the past few month. Little did he know there was a surprise awaiting him and his family.

According to Dawn Nation, the Triumph over Tragedy foundation is in the process of raising funds to build a handicap-accessibly house for Gales and his family. Before today, Donny and Tanisha Gales didn’t know how they were going to accommodate their son in their three bedroom home in Baton Rouge.

More from Georgia Football

• Georgia Football: Top 5 Nick Chubb Moments at Georgia
• Georgia Football: Know the enemy UAB Blazers
• Georgia Football: Should laundry list of injuries be a cause to panic?
• Georgia Football: Report cards for Week 3 game against South Carolina
• Georgia football: Sunday afternoon thoughts and feelings

While his family is important to him, Gales is most excited to see his teammates when he returns home.

“I don’t know how I will act when I see them, but I know I want to see them and tell them I’m doing great and I will walk again,” Gales said.

Late on that Saturday in September, a young man’s life changed forever, but the future looks bright for the 22-year-old. He plans to return to Southern University to finish his degree. He is also slowly regaining feeling in different areas of the body.

In January, he told WSB-TV that he could feel his knee and the bottoms of his feet. He can even move some fingers on his hands.

More from Dawn of the Dawg

• Georgia Football: Top 5 Nick Chubb Moments at Georgia
• Georgia Football: Know the enemy UAB Blazers
• Nick Chubb is America’s running back, and he will return
• Georgia Football: Should laundry list of injuries be a cause to panic?
• Georgia Football: Report cards for Week 3 game against South Carolina

The journey is far from over, but Gales is prepared for the difficulties that lie ahead.

“This is just a temporary setback. It’s another blessing. I know I’m going to walk out. I know I’m going to have a testimony that I will have to speak on.”