Domenik Hixon Gains Closure, Meets With Kevin Everett

wide right · Dec 24, 2007

Hixon gains closure after reunion with Everett

Source: Bob Dicesare, Buffalo News

Domenik Hixon slipped into a waiting golf cart and headed off to the meeting he both dreaded and welcomed. Hixon hadnt spoken with Kevin Everett since the Sept. 9 collision from which only one of them walked away. But Everetts recovery has been miraculous and Hixons conscience has been guilt-ridden and you knew this meeting could be nothing but good for the both of them.

Fifteen minutes later Hixon returned to the New York Giants locker room, having been relieved and uplifted by the sight of Everett back at Ralph Wilson Stadium just 3z months after extensive paralysis seemed his unavoidable fate.

He looked great, Hixon said. We just had some casual conversation. I just want him to continue to get well.

Everetts story has been extensively documented. He was taken off the field while players knelt in prayer following the second half kickoff in Buffalos season opener against the Denver Broncos. The prognosis was dire. But Everett made progress that defied predictions, regaining feeling, beginning to walk. Hixon followed the story all the way, hoping and praying for the fullest of recoveries while dealing with his own torment.

I did, and my parents also, Hixon said. A lot of time I dont have too much time to get on the Internet or watch TV so they kept me posted on how well he was doing.

Hixon left a part of himself on the football field that day, withdrew into a shell. On the plane ride home Broncos teammate and close friend Brian Clark urged him to speak of the incident, clear his mind. But Hixon kept it all inside, haunted by the images and the horrific prognosis. His focus as a football player had been fractured.

Its one of those things where its your job, people are depending on you, its your income, and so its a very tough thing, Hixon said.

Three weeks later Hixon lent a sympathetic ear and words of encouragement when Clark was released by the Broncos. Two days later the roles were reversed. Denver had decided to retain Clark, making roster room by releasing Hixon. Word was that the Broncos felt the collision with Everett, and the horrific result, had dulled Hixons competitive instincts. The Giants decided otherwise, claiming him off waivers for use on special teams. When the deal was complete, Hixon assessed New Yorks remaining schedule. He was enveloped with unease upon seeing the Giants visited The Ralph on Dec. 23. Hed have to live his half of the nightmare all over again.

Sept. 9 seemed like yesterday as Hixon arrived for Sundays game, a 38-21 Giants victory. He eyed the spot on the field where the collision took place, thought back to other happenings that fateful day.

You know, I did, Hixon said. Even just the surroundings and the locker room, like when I came in the locker room and everything being the same. Remembering where my locker was, just things like that. But you have a job out there to do and you try to put out of your mind but its tough, its real tough.

The two had never spoken, if only because Hixon felt obliged to let Everett concentrate on his recovery. But all this week he lived in anticipation of the moment, knowing of Everetts plan to attend and his willingness to meet.

Yeah, I have, from the beginning of the week, Hixon said. Its just one of those things, sleeping at night, I was just anxious. The thing was I just wanted him to concentrate on getting well. Whenever he had time I was more than willing to talk [but] I just wanted him to get well.
What are the chances that it would work out this way, with Everett attending a game this season, with Hixon playing in that game?

I dont know the odds on that but Im definitely very thankful that it happened, Hixon said. Its a blessing that he just keeps on improving every day and gets back to 100 percent. The two promised to stay in touch.

He said Houstons a nice place to live and I should come and check it out, Hixon said. Im going to have to do that.
Click to expand...

DaBearsrule4ever · Dec 24, 2007

It's just great to see Kevin Everett is improving because that injury he suffered against the Broncos week 1 was frightning.

skinsfan1 · Jan 1, 2008

Glad to see Everett is doing well.

TDJets72027 · Jan 1, 2008

Get well Everett!

Log in or Sign up

Domenik Hixon Gains Closure, Meets With Kevin Everett

wide right Grumpy Old Man

DaBearsrule4ever Hall Of Famer

skinsfan1 BANNED

TDJets72027 Rex Ryan baby

Log in or Sign up

Domenik Hixon Gains Closure, Meets With Kevin Everett

wide right Grumpy Old Man

DaBearsrule4ever Hall Of Famer

skinsfan1 BANNED

TDJets72027 Rex Ryan baby

Useful Searches