Byrd grateful, will be patient by Casey Pearce, Posted Sep 2, 2009 from San Diego Chargers.com In his first interview since being selected by the Chargers in the seventh round of April’s draft, wide receiver Demetrius Byrd expressed his appreciation for how the Chargers are helping him as he recovers from a devastating car accident. Demetrius Byrd didn’t know he’d been drafted until a week after the Chargers selected him in the seventh round of April’s NFL Draft. He had to wait until mid June to meet many of his new teammates, and it wasn’t until this week that Byrd permanently arrived in his new home. Byrd won’t hit the football field until next year, but with all the waiting he’s done since a life-changing automobile accident left him hospitalized in late April, he says patience will be the least of his concerns as he fights his way back to football shape. “I could’ve passed away in the accident, but I'm alive, well and healing,” he said. “I appreciate every day I have on Earth because, let's be honest, I could be lying in a graveyard right now. God spared me, and now everything that happens is in His time.” The former LSU standout wide receiver signed his rookie contract Monday and on Tuesday, the Chargers placed him on “Reserve – Non Football Injury,” and the club has made the decision that Byrd won’t play or practice with the team this season. While he’s come a long ways since waking up from a coma in early May, Byrd’s focus for himself and the Chargers’ focus for him is first and foremost his health and physical condition. “This isn't about football right now,” Chargers coach Norv Turner said. “It's about him getting back to being himself. He's made great strides since the spring, and he's got a long way to go.” Byrd visited San Diego in June and was a spectator for two days of Offseason Coaching Sessions. He has since ditched the neck brace that he wore during that trip and says he feels strong. Byrd is, however, still battling other medical issues that have kept him from pushing himself physically too much at this point. “My balance and coordination has been slow to come back,” Byrd said. “That's the reason why I'm not running or working out. It's an equilibrium thing.” Byrd didn’t redshirt in college, but he views his rookie season in the NFL as a similar situation to college freshmen who watch and learn but don’t play. He plans on regularly attending practice and meetings, and he said Thursday that his goal is to be able to practice by the start of training camp next summer. “I’m taking mental reps and learning the playbook so when my time comes nothing will be holding me back in that regard,” Byrd said. Byrd has no memories of the events that occurred the night of his accident. He was on his way to pick his mother up from church when he blew a tire and ran off the road, and he’s grateful that he can’t recall any of the details. “There's just nothing,” Byrd said. “I'm glad I don't remember it, because I can drive without being scared. Most people would get scared after an accident, but I don't remember any of it so I can get in the car with no problem at all.” The next few months are certain to have their challenges for Byrd, but he’s grateful for the opportunity the Chargers have given him, and he appreciates the way the team has handled his unique situation. “The Chargers told me it’s all on me,” Byrd said. “Another team might have rushed me back, but the Chargers are helping me and letting me do it at my pace. I’m so happy they drafted me and so thankful for the chance I’ve got here. I’m blessed.”
good article. i definitely know how he feels about it being on god's time and not his own. you see things a lot differently after circumstances such as these.
