In the world of sports, stories of perseverance are prevalent. But few compare to the extraordinary journey of Kirk Ford, a four-time conference champion at Jackson State who defied the odds. From being declared medically dead to becoming a Division 1 athlete and winning four conference championships, Kevin Ford’s story is one of determination, grit, and perseverance.
A Life-Changing Diagnosis: Ford’s story began with a devastating football injury in his junior year of high school- a torn ACL. However, what followed was anything but ordinary. After surgery, his body had a negative reaction to the anesthesia, nearly costing him his life.
Weeks later, his opposite knee swelled three times its normal size. When doctors attempted to drain it, they discovered something blood-chilling- his blood had turned green and orange due to a rare- life-threatening infection. The choices presented to him were horrifying: emergency surgery or amputation.
” I went from being a fully functioning human to not even being able to use the bathroom on my own” – Ford recalled.
Doctors were astonished as to how the infection was contracted, this led to Ford being quarantined by the CDC for three months. With a PICC line pumping fluids into his body, his football career was put in jeopardy as he fought for his life.
Baby steps: Ford was told that he may never be able to walk again, let alone run or play football. His knees had to be rehabilitated as well, adding to the overwhelming challenges already placed in front of him.
“The hardest part of my journey was not knowing if all the hard work I was willing to put in was worth it. There were constant days of crying because both my knees wouldn’t straighten.” – Ford admitted
Ford’s determination willed him out of a wheelchair and back on his feet. Each painful step built momentum that propelled him back into the use of his legs. Ford’s biggest breakthrough came when he finally stretched his legs enough to use the leg press machine.
” If God gives me the strength to get full flexion in both my knees, I’ll try football again” – Ford told himself
And he stayed true to his word.
The Road Back to Football: Despite his miraculous comeback, college coaches were hesitant to give Kirk an opportunity. Ford’s talent was overshadowed by his injury history. Due to him receiving no offers, Ford went the JUCO route at Navarro College. Sadly, Covid-19 hit and Ford was back at ground zero once again.
Despite the impact of COVID-19 shortening the spring season, Ford turned heads and dominated the trenches. Ford was shining and then the unthinkable happened, a call from Deion Sanders.
“I missed his call twice, not knowing who it was. But going from no offers to having the best player ever tell me he thought I had NFL potential… it made all the hard work worth it.” – Kirk stated
Championship Mentality: At Jackson State, Ford became a valuable part of a program that built a standard of eliteness. In a four-year window, Ford contributed to four conference championships, cementing his legacy as a legend at Jackson State.
“At Jackson State, we don’t cut corners. That’s why I loved it there, our coaches preached discipline and taught us how to win the right way” – Ford stated
Ford credits his faith as the foundation of his resilience.
“God is everything to me. Without Him, my story wouldn’t even be here. There were countless times I wanted to give up, but everytime I said a prayer, I knew everything would be okay” – Ford
The Next Chapter: Now, Ford has his sights set on the 2025 NFL Draft. Ford’s Journey- from a near-death experience to a four-time champion- serves as proof that faith, determination, and resilience can conquer even the darkest moments we all experience.
“I want to let people know it’s never too late or too far to follow your dreams.” – Ford stated
One thing is certain- Kirk Ford has already beaten the odds, and his story is far from over.
