At just 23 years old, Brayson has triumphed over adversities that many individuals twice his age may never encounter. Diagnosed with a medulloblastoma brain tumor at 16, Brayson faced an abrupt and life-altering challenge amid the trials of high school. Yet, rather than allowing his diagnosis to shape his identity, he has forged a path that keeps him intricately linked to one of his greatest loves: football.
A Sudden Diagnosis
Brayson’s journey began much like those of many high school athletes, fueled by an unwavering love for sports—particularly football and baseball. In his junior year, however, his life took a dramatic turn. Initially dismissed as a minor issue, the persistent headache that plagued him soon revealed itself to be a far graver concern. “It wasn’t gradual,” Brayson reflects. “I thought this headache might be a concussion incurred during a football game, so I kept it to myself, only confiding in friends because I dreaded the thought of being sidelined.”
As the headaches escalated in intensity, Brayson’s situation became increasingly urgent. After one overwhelmingly severe night of vomiting and a subsequent episode during football practice, Brayson’s concerned coach insisted he seek medical attention. The results of a CT scan were shattering: he was diagnosed with a brain tumor. “I’ll never forget the look of sorrow on my doctor’s face when she delivered the news,” Brayson recalls. “Having been under her care since childhood made it all the more emotional.”
Swiftly, Brayson was transported via ambulance from his doctor’s office in Shelby, NC, to a medical facility in Charlotte for an urgent surgery to excise the tumor. Although the operation itself was deemed successful, he faced another battle shortly after: a cerebral stroke that arose post-surgery. “The stroke was incredibly challenging. I found myself unable to walk, write, or even articulate my thoughts properly,” Brayson recounts. “I spent an entire month in the hospital, diligently working to relearn basic functions.”
Recovery and Resilience
In the aftermath of surgery, Brayson embarked on a demanding regimen of post-operative treatments, which entailed six grueling weeks of radiation therapy, four extensive rounds of high-dose chemotherapy, and four stem cell transplants. With a compromised immune system rendering him unable to attend classes in person, he sought creative ways to maintain a semblance of normalcy. “Although returning to the classroom wasn’t an option, I was permitted to join baseball practice since it was conducted outdoors, as long as I steered clear of the locker room,” Brayson explains. “My mindset was steadfast: this was merely a hurdle. I was resolute in my determination to live as normally as I could.”
Staying Connected to Football
Prior to his diagnosis, Brayson aspired to play Division II or III football or baseball, envisioning a future dedicated to sports at the collegiate level. “I thought I’d be playing in college,” he admits candidly. However, following his diagnosis, it became apparent that competing at a high level was no longer feasible. In that pivotal moment, he discovered a new avenue to stay involved in the sport he adored: working as an equipment manager.
“It was actually my neighbor, a player at Clemson, who encouraged me to apply for an equipment manager position with the team,” Brayson shares. “It felt like the perfect fit, so after gaining acceptance to Clemson, I applied and was thrilled to secure the role. It turned out to be an invaluable experience!”
His time at Clemson paved the way for numerous opportunities. Following graduation, he accepted a position as a graduate assistant equipment manager at Texas Christian University (TCU). “This role was another incredible opportunity,” he enthuses. “The more responsibilities I undertook, the more I realized just how much I cherished this profession. I found myself waking up each day excited for work.” Thanks to a vital connection made through his Clemson supervisor, “I was subsequently introduced to the equipment staff at the Jacksonville Jaguars, allowing me to step into the realm of the NFL. It truly has been an extraordinary journey!”
Mentoring Other Survivors
In addition to his role with the Jaguars, Brayson dedicates time to mentoring other brain tumor survivors through the Pediatric Brain Tumor Foundation’s (PBTF) survivor group. Initially, Brayson, who is now proudly cancer-free, harbored reservations about sharing his personal narrative. “For a considerable period, I chose to keep my experiences to myself,” he admits. “However, I eventually recognized my obligation to assist others.”
As a mentor, Brayson provides not only encouragement but also invaluable support. “When I first joined the group, I didn’t personally require much counseling—I felt like I was in a good place. But I understood that my experiences could inspire others,” he states. “I want to serve as a confidant for those who feel overwhelmed, so they can say, ‘This is happening to me,’ and I can respond, ‘Yeah, I’ve been there. You’ll navigate through it.’”
A Positive Outlook on Life
Brayson’s journey has molded him into an individual who embodies positivity and resilience. “There’s no use in wallowing in negativity about life. Why not make the best of it?” he reflects. “For me, the focus has always been on overcoming hurdles and returning to a sense of normalcy.”
Although Brayson still grapples with residual effects from the stroke—finding writing challenging and his equilibrium less than perfect—he remains undeterred. He remains dedicated to embracing life to the fullest, whether that involves his career with the Jaguars or offering support to fellow survivors.
For Brayson, life is a quest to maintain connections with the things he cherishes, even if the route looks different from what he initially envisioned. Football may have transformed for him, but his fervor for the game and desire to uplift others have only intensified.
What was your initial reaction to the diagnosis, and how did you begin to cope with such a life-changing moment?
### Interview with Brayson: Triumph Over Adversity
**Interviewer:** Brayson, thank you for joining us today. Your story is truly inspiring. Can you take us back to your diagnosis? How did you cope with that moment?
**Brayson:** Thank you for having me. The moment I received my diagnosis was one of the hardest of my life. I remember the look on my doctor’s face as she delivered the news. It hit me like a ton of bricks. I was just a kid trying to get through high school and here I was facing something that could change everything. At first, I thought it might just be a concussion, so I kept it to myself, not wanting to let my teammates down. Once I learned the truth, though, I had to shift my mindset quickly.
**Interviewer:** That’s a significant transformation to make. After the surgery and the challenges that followed, what kept your spirits up during those difficult times?
**Brayson:** I think my love for sports played a huge role. Being around the game, even in a different capacity, kept me grounded. Once I was physically able, I joined baseball practice outdoors. It was a way to maintain some normalcy in my life. I embraced the idea that this was just a hurdle and that my determination would drive me to keep moving forward.
**Interviewer:** It’s remarkable how you turned a setback into an opportunity. You shifted from wanting to play sports to becoming an equipment manager. Can you tell us how that transition came about?
**Brayson:** Absolutely. After my diagnosis, I realized that playing at a high level wasn’t an option anymore, but I still wanted to be involved in the sport I loved. A neighbour who played at Clemson encouraged me to apply for the equipment manager position. Once I got into Clemson and started the role, I discovered a new passion for the behind-the-scenes work. It was a perfect fit, and I felt like it was my way to contribute to the team I loved so much.
**Interviewer:** Hockey has often been called the ultimate team sport. How has your role as an equipment manager shaped your perspective on teamwork and camaraderie?
**Brayson:** It’s absolutely about the team, not just the players on the field. Working as an equipment manager has taught me the importance of every role in making a team successful. You may not be highlighted in the spotlight, but the work we do is vital. I thoroughly enjoy being part of a team that shares common goals, and I’ve built incredible relationships along the way.
**Interviewer:** You are now part of the Jacksonville Jaguars, and it seems your journey has come full circle. What are your goals moving forward, both in your career and personally?
**Brayson:** I’m thrilled with where I am right now, but I always set goals for myself. Professionally, I want to keep growing within the NFL and take on more responsibilities with the equipment team. Personally, I’m committed to mentoring others who have faced similar challenges, especially young brain tumor survivors. I remember how much support I needed during my journey, and I want to give back and help others find their path forward.
**Interviewer:** That’s truly commendable, Brayson. Your resilience and dedication are inspiring. Thank you for sharing your story with us today.
**Brayson:** Thank you! It’s been a pleasure to share my journey, and I hope it resonates with others facing their own challenges.
