After four years away from the game he loves, Devon Gales will be back on the football field in a new role.
The former Southern University cornerback, paralyzed during a 2015 game vs. the University of Georgia, has accepted an assistant coaching position with the Jefferson High School Dragons in Jefferson, Georgia.
Jefferson High School confirmed the news on their Twitter account on March 18.
We are so proud to announce the addition of Devon Gales to our Dragon coaching staff!! The former Southern University star will be a tremendous asset to our program! #Inspiration #Determination #UGA
Story at https://t.co/QixiiCuLTw pic.twitter.com/kpzBPsUwSt
— Jefferson Football (@JeffersonFootba) March 19, 2019
Jefferson High Football head coach Gene Cathcart explained to AccessWDUN that school superintendent Dr. John Jackson suggested the hiring after Gales’ inspiring motivational speech to Jefferson High School’s students.
Gales became paralyzed during a kickoff return in the 2015 college football contest.
During Gales’ powerful speech at Jefferson High School, he discussed the bond and friendship he shares with former Georgia kicker Marshall Morgan, who collided with him on the tragic play that caused his paralyzed state.
Immediately after the speech, Cathcart offered Gales the position. Gales humbly accepted the role and is now preparing to transition his family to Jefferson, Georgia.
“It was funny because I’ve never been called coach. It was always Devon, so just to have that behind me and just hearing the kids say, coach Gales, coach Devon or whatever they want to call it. I’m happy with whatever they call it,” Gales said to AccessWDUN.
Jefferson High School is not only getting a great football mind but also an amazing person as well. Everyone that comes in contact with Gales raves about his integrity and character.
“Make no mistake about it Devon Gales is a unique human being,” Gales’ high school coach Sid Edwards said to WAFB back in 2015. “A very special person. God broke the mold when they made him, not just any coaches dream, but just anybody’s dream person to be around.”
