It feels like yesterday when the former running back was playing for the Virginia Cavaliers. After he suffered a career-threatening injury, it seemed like Perris Jones‘ story was over. But he kept his chin up and worked hard regardless. Now, he returns to L&N Stadium, where the Louisville Cardinals will honor him during a game against his former team.

Perris Jones’ story is a tale of two tales. He started his career as a walk-on and worked his way up to become the starting running back for Virginia. His career was on an upward trajectory until the game against Louisville in 2023, where he suffered a spinal cord injury. Even though his dream of playing football ended, he never stopped pushing forward. He took on motivational speaking, inspiring others with his story. He also enrolled in a PhD program in Educational Leadership and Organizational Development at the University of Louisville, the same place where he suffered his injury and received treatment.

In a surprising turn of events, the University of Louisville will honor him during the game against Virginia, the team he grew up cheering for. He is expected to receive a warm welcome at the L&N Stadium. The pregame show will recognize Perry and the team of doctors who saved his life.

Perris Jones suffered his ill-fated spinal injury on November 9, 2023. During the game, he caught a pass but took a helmet-to-helmet hit from a Louisville defender, immediately immobilizing him. On November 10, 2023, he underwent surgery to relieve spinal cord compression caused by a disc that had protruded into the spinal canal. The procedure also helped stabilize his condition. After surgery, he spent time in the ICU before moving to the Frazier Rehabilitation Institute in Louisville, where he began intensive physical and occupational therapy.

Perris spent around two and a half weeks at the Frazier Rehab in Louisville. He was discharged and returned home to Charlottesville. After that, he began his journey as a spokesperson and eventually pursued academics, which brought him back to Louisville, this time on his own.

How good was Perris Jones for Virginia?

Perris Jones was not a superstar during his time, but he was a formidable player. He amassed over 770 rushing yards, including four rushing touchdowns. He made 14 catches for 153 yards and 2 touchdowns. Before his injury, he had 393 rushing yards on 76 carries, showing he could carry the ball effectively in games. His career rushing average was around 4.8 yards per carry, a respectable number. To top it off, he also had a 100+ yard rushing performance.

His 2023 year was the best year of his career, and sadly, the last. His 393 rushing yards meant that he had an average of 5.2 per carry. One of the most memorable Perris performances was against Tennessee in the season opener, where he rushed for 39 yards on 7 carries, including a touchdown. So, it is clear to see that Perris was pretty good before his injury.

He may have retired from the game, but he chooses to inspire people. His dreams were crushed, but he did not let that stop him. From a football player to a motivational speaker to now pursuing academics, Perris has surely come a long way.