Meet Adaptive Athlete: Derek Brown

Derek is from Lakewood, California and as early as he could remember he was playing football and baseball. He quickly excelled on the football team throughout his youth and then accepted the opportunity to play at the next level at Cal State Northridge. Derek transferred to Long Beach State and upon graduating from college, he had the chance to play overseas in Europe for two years, then returned to the United States, playing two years of arena football before hanging up the cleats to start a family. 

 

In December of 2020, Derek was on a ski trip with his family where he went sledding with his son and hit a barrier, fracturing his C6/7 vertebrae. In total, he underwent four surgeries on his neck and back. Following the accident, Derek was completely immobilized for some time, however through hard physical therapy and grit he regained walking function. He has progressed immensely in his recovery and can now walk and execute daily functions without assistance. 

 

Despite his strides physically, mentally his progress has not been as linear. He pushed himself every day, but his mind demanded more and was never satisfied. While at ATF, Derek is looking forward to unlocking mental wins and pushing himself through discomfort.