Paralyzed High School Football Player Determined To Succeed

DALLAS (CBSDFW.COM) - Molina High School senior Diondre Preston says he remembers the tackle that left him paralyzed from the neck down. Even though the 17-year-old can't play football, he said he plans to attend college.

"My book of life is making people laugh and happy. Smiling, like you are now," Preston said, as he discussed his injury publicly for the first time.

Preston was released from Baylor Medical Center Friday and his mother said they are learning a new routine. The high schooler now sleeps in a room beside the kitchen that used to be his mother's office.

"I don't want him bitter. I don't want him depressed. I don't want him sad," said Maya Preston, Diondre's mother. "Life has to go on. That's all I'm trying to do."

Preston is a senior at Moises E. Molina High School and he was injured while playing starting quarterback in a game against Pinkston High on September 30. Preston was also Homecoming King.

"I remember everything," he said. "One person pulling me down. And the other dude coming in front of me, and he hit me head-on. All I can remember is falling to the ground."

Preston was Molina High's star player and a number of colleges had their eyes on him.

He started playing football at the age of four. He and his mother now talk about possibly starting a wheelchair football league. Diondre said he knows there are many challenges ahead, but he is receiving support from his family, friends, his high school coach and others who want to see him succeed

A fund has been set up for the Preston family -

Little Heroes Foundation
P.O. Box 940011
Plano, Texas 75094

For more information about Diondre or information about how to help him and his family, contact Steve Smith at (214) 577-4613.