7/18/2011
It’s always great to hear stories about people who had been born with cerebral palsy overcoming their disabilities and leading successful lives, but it’s all the more impressive once one becomes an expert in a field they are not able to even fully participate in. Now nearly 60-years-old, Doug Blevins was born with cerebral palsy that affected his capacity to walk and finally relegated him to a wheelchair. Yet, despite his setback, Blevins fixed his sights on becoming involved in football by any methods needed. “I’ve got cerebral palsy and could never play,” Blevins stated, according to the Pittsburgh Morning Sun. “I got interested in football when I was 4 years old. I got involved in a Pop Warner program and a Little League program in my hometown of Abingdon, Va. I began understanding from a coaches’ perspective. I knew I desired to work in professional football and do this for a living.” By 10th grade Blevins had learned the intricacies of kicking by reading through several instructional tapes and manuals. He was eventually able to parlay his knowledge into a career as a kicking consultant who has worked with many NFL teams such as the Miami Dolphins, New England Patriots, Minnesota Vikings, and New York Jets. He has also worked with NFL Europe and Arena Football League.
Probably his biggest triumph as a consultant has been his efforts with Indianapolis Colts kicker Adam Vinatieri, who kicked game-winning field goals in two Super Bowls for the Patriots during the 2000s. In a 2004 Sports Illustrated post, Vinatieri credited Blevins’ consulting for his accomplishment, saying he “wouldn’t be here without [Blevins.” As Blevins’ story shows, it is possible to lead a healthy – and successful – lifestyle right after a cerebral palsy diagnosis. Nevertheless, in order to effectively treat any disabilities that might occur due to the condition, there may be costly medical methods that are necessary.
If you or a loved one are suffering from a birth injury such as cerebral palsy and require money to pay for proper treatments, contact a cerebral palsy attorney today to understand more about your legal resources pertaining to a potential lawsuit.