As I sit with Tyson Hayes, a senior on the football team, I can only notice the cast on his leg as he sits next to his crutches. Tyson has suffered from an injury knocking him out of the game and into bedrest during the height of football season. However, he appears hopeful. Below are some highlights from our  interview. 

Note: our discussion has been edited for length and clarity. 

What caused your injury?

“Basically, during a football game about a month ago a 300 pound lineman dove headfirst into my shin and split my leg—my lower leg—in half. It’s a little painful but I’ll definitely get through it.”

What do the doctors say about your injury?

“The doctors at first said I would likely need surgery, however it’s been healing great and I’ve been following the right path. I haven’t been stepping on it. I haven’t been using any unknown drugs or anything. Yeah, I’ve been sticking to what they prescribed me, so. It’s healing really fast and I hope to be back in 3 weeks.”

How has this been affecting you mentally?

“It’s been mentally draining, having missed out on my beloved senior year and so many school events. Having to sit while watching my team carry out my dream is very saddening—and even [with] track. However, I’d rather focus on the upsides and stay positive. The important thing is to keep supporting my team as much as I can while I heal and to keep looking forward to even greater opportunities in college.” 

How has this season been?

They’re doing really well right now. I believe we’re 6 in 2 or 6 in 3 and we’re about to win this homecoming game. So we ‘boutta turn up.”

How do you feel about your future in football?

“I feel like this is a minor setback, honestly. I have offers, I expect to play in college. It’s always been my dream to play football, track, and sport in college because I am very competitive. I love to compete with other people but, more importantly, I love to compete with myself. I know that at every moment in time I can do better than—or achieve more than—I did the day before. So I just love that spirit, I love competing and I love becoming a better version of myself. So this is just a little setback. It’s only the beginning.”

As a member of the football team, how do you feel?

“I mean being negative is not going to do anything for me, so I’d rather uplift my team in the best way possible, show as much support as I can.”

Specifically, how do you feel about the team with you being a senior?

“Because this is my senior year I want to do whatever I can. I definitely want to take the time to meet people or create new bonds, new friendships, just understand my community a little bit better before I leave—and make sure I have more ties with this community because Whitney Young has definitely had a great impact on me. It has changed me for the better. It has built me as a person, so I definitely want to get closer with my community and give back in a positive way by influencing the next generation.”

The Whitney Young Dolphins have ended the football season as second in the city. As of now, Tyson is off crutches and thriving with the help of his schoolmates, friends and Principal Harris.