Inspirational Comeback: High School Football Player Returns to the Field After Major Surgery
Drevon Dopson, a Brownian Cayce High School football player, has a story of resilience that extends far beyond the gridiron. This past season, he defied the odds after facing a health crisis that put his athletic future in doubt. He astonished both his doctors and teammates by making a remarkable recovery and returning to the field just months after undergoing major surgery.
“What I saw in the hospital, it was frightening,” said Dopson’s mother, Octivious Dopson, remembering the difficult time.
“I realized that I was getting tired quicker,” said Drevon Dopson, recalling his own weakening condition.
It started with a series of concerning symptoms. Drevon was in and out of hospitals battling ulcerative colitis (UC), an inflammatory disease that causes ulcers in the large intestine and is commonly treated among 15 to 30-year-olds.</
“I noticed he was losing weight. And I even mentioned it to him and his father. He doesn’t look the same,” said Head Coach Rusty Charpia, expressing his concern.
“I’d feel dizzy… Get lightheaded,” Drevon further explained, describing his struggles before the severity of his condition became clear.
Even amidst his health challenges, Drevon remained dedicated to football. He continued to participate in summer camps and workouts while doctors provided him with medication to manage his UC. But in July, after a trip to a Mercer camp, things took a drastic turn.
“In July, after his Mercer camp, he got sick. Came home, Sunday. We took him to the hospital. And that’s when we realized everything was starting to turn,” Octivious said.
Drevon collapsed. His condition worsened rapidly. Doctors had to act fast, performing emergency surgery to remove 90% of his large intestine
Dopson was hospitalized for ten days, connected to feeding tubes and forced to undergo the added hardship of having a colostomy bag installed.
“It was rough man. It was rough seeing him go through it,” said Drevon’s father, Andre Dopson, emotionally reflecting on the trying period.
“So at first, I thought I wasn’t going to be able to play again,” said Drevon, revealing the despair he felt as he faced a significant life change.
Discharge to Heal
dxp class=”text | Immediately following the surgery, what seemed impossible materialized into reality because it typically takes a year for someone to heal, but Drevon, however, miraculously recovered faster than the doctors anticipated.
by September.
“He had protective PPE on, everything was wrapped. He also had his
Dopson eased his way back into practice. The colostomy bag was still installed.
“His protective PPE on. Everything was wrapped. He also had his flack jacket on,” said Allen Knotts, a board member for Lexington School District Two and coach’s assistant at Brookland Cayce.
In early September, Drevon stepped back onto the football field.
“My first game back, I was kind of nervous. But then after the first few plays, I was doing pretty good. I got completed passes. I was fine after that,” Drevon said.
“I think it’s the first game we won. We had a rough year to start with,” said Coach Charpia, noting Drevon’s impact despite the challenging season.
Family Ties and the Power of Faith The journey was a grueling one, tested, not only Drevon’s physical strength but also his mental resilience.
“I’m thankful to God…He’s still got me here,” said
Drevon.
“God has blessed me, and he’s blessed my son as well,” said Andre.
“And to be able to celebrate Thanksgiving with the family, with everybody together…It’s just a blessing from the grace of God,”
Drevon is scheduled to have his colostomy bag removed in December. Next year, he’ll return to the football field as a senior, fully recovered and ready to play with a new perspective.
How did Drevon Dopson’s support system contribute to his recovery process?
## Interview: Drevon Dopson’s Inspirational Comeback
**Host:** Welcome back to the show. Today, we have an incredible story of perseverance and triumph over adversity. Joining us is Drevon Dopson, a high school football player who overcame a serious medical challenge to return to the field. Drevon, thank you for being here.
**Drevon:** Thanks for having me.
**Host:** Your story is truly inspiring. Can you tell us a little bit about your health challenge and what led up to your surgery?
**Drevon:** Sure. Last year, I was battling ulcerative colitis. I was feeling really tired and losing weight. It got to the point where I collapsed and had to be rushed to the hospital.
**Host:** That must have been incredibly scary for you and your family.
**Drevon:** It was. My parents were really worried. The doctors had to perform emergency surgery to remove 90% of my large intestine.
**Host:** Wow, that’s major surgery. How long were you in the hospital?
**Drevon:** Ten days. I had feeding tubes and a colostomy bag. It was a really tough time.
**Host:** I can only imagine. After such a major surgery, most people wouldn’t even dream of playing football again. What was going through your mind during your recovery?
**Drevon:** Honestly, at first, I thought I’d never play again. But I refused to give up. Football is my passion, and I knew I wanted to do everything I could to get back on the field.
**(Host):** And you did remarkable! You made a miraculous recovery and even returned to play this season. How long was your recovery process, and what was it like getting back into shape?
**Drevon:** It’s a bit of a blur. Things happened so quickly after the surgery. It was tough, but I had a lot of support from my family, my coaches, and my teammates.
**Host:** Did anyone doubt you could return to the field?
**Drevon:** I think some people did, but I never let that discourage me. I proved them wrong (laughs).
**Host:** That’s amazing, Drevon! Your story is truly inspiring. You’re a true embodiment of the spirit of resilience that we often see in sports, but also in life.
**Drevon:** Thank you. I’m just grateful for the opportunity to play the game I love.
**Host:** Well said, Drevon. Thank you so much for sharing your powerful story with us. We wish you all the best for a successful season.
**Drevon:** Thanks again.
**(Host To Audience):** And that’s our show for today. Remember, no matter what challenges you face, never give up on your dreams. Like Drevon, you too can overcome adversity and achieve great things.
