ROUND ROCK, Texas – The Stony Point sophomore who was paralyzed during a JV football game in September continues to recover, and says he wants to walk again.
"I'm not going to give up and I will walk," said Jasiel Favors.
The 16-year-old broke three vertebrae in the hit during a game against Harker Heights, and spent months in the hospital. The reason why he wants to walk again is simple.
"Athletes don't give up," said Favors.
Favors came home from the hospital in December, and now spends much of his time with nurses, trying to get stronger.
"At first I couldn't hold my head on my own, I had to have help, now I don't really need help, I can turn my head by myself, and hold my head," said Favors.
He said he's just a typical teenager, who likes to watch movies with friends.
"It's not that much different, I'm still the same person," said Favors.
He goes on outings with his family and friends, around the park, or to H-E-B.
"It makes me feel free to be outside, I don't like to be trapped inside because it gets lonely in there," said Favors.
Favors is still taking chemistry and world history classes, with a teacher coming to the house twice a week.
"It's pretty good to be doing work, it keeps my mind off of things," said Favors.
While his injuries are on his mind, it's his recovery that he's determined to focus on.
"I have to do my part, and if not I would be stuck like this and I don't want to be paralyzed forever," said Favors.
Favors said he'll never forget the hit that paralyzed him.
"And I tried to move and I couldn't move, and I kind of panicked, I think I knew what happened, I just didn't want to say it," said Favors.
Since that day he's seen the love and support from family and friends. His older brother Andrew Felder said it's made them all closer.
"We all pretty much came together when it happened, so it helped with that," said Felder.
Even strangers have supported Favors. NFL players, as well as the head coach for his favorite team, TCU, have all sent him signed jerseys and footballs. His favorite though is the one signed by his Stony Point football teammates.
A lot of people have also donated to the family's medical costs.