At the start of football practice Monday, head coach Scott Smith yelled across the field at one of his captains during the annual conditioning test.
“Diesel, you don’t have to do this.”
Dwayne “Diesel” Chandler doesn’t have to do a single thing at practice. He doesn’t even need to be there. But his love for his teammates and the game of football keeps him present at any event related to the football team.
Chandler suffered a spinal cord injury last season which ended his football career. If he continued to play football Chandler would risk of being paralyzed for life.
“I cried, but I had to except it," Chandler said. "It’s better than being paralyzed or dead."
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Even with his limitations, the football team unanimously chose him to be a captain for the upcoming season.
“I almost started crying when I found out,” Chandler said. “I love these guys.”
Smith said Chandler will eventually become the team’s video coordinator. For now, Chandler does everything possible to better his teamates during practice and provides emotional support.
“I’m the emotional leader," Chandler said. "I just talk to them and keep them motivated. If I could play, I would give it my all. That’s what I try to tell them.”
