Take a glance at this article's photo. What do you see? A good looking, bright, normal young man? Well, unfortunately in this instance the word normal turned in an instant.
On a mid-April day in 2006 during an ordinary Ohio State spring practice. Some of the 2006 players were taking part in a scrimmage, including Gentry.
Gentry, a third year punter was playing as receiver on the scout team. On what appeared to be an ordinary play, Gentry caught a pass and was dragged to the ground. His head twisted to the side as he went down, he couldn't get up.
He had suffered a broken C-4 vertebrae in his neck.
He was determined paralyzed. At first glance it wasn't known if he'd ever walk again, yet alone be normal again.
This injury changed a lot of things in Tyson's life. He obviously couldn't play football or do any of the things he used to be able to do and do so well. It was devastating to him, his family, and the college football world.
But there are a few things that this strong and serious injury couldn't change.
It couldn't change No. 24 (Tyson's number), and it couldn't change him being a buckeye.
Heck, if you took away participating in games and practices' he was still as much as a football player as Beanie Wells and James Laurinaitis. He was at team meetings, he was in team photos, and he was at the games to.
All of this continued throughout his years at Ohio State, the injury couldn't stop him from that, no matter how bad it was he was still a buckeye.
Brain Robiskie, an Ohio State receiver at the time, said "Tyson is one us. He always will be, his injury didn't change that."
Gentry was nominated for the 2008 FWAA Courage award last year, a great honor and recognition, something Tyson deserved. He also received recognition before the 2008 Michigan game.
Gentry was honored during the Ohio State Senior day pre-game, it truly was special.
He was the voice for all 28 seniors that day during the skull session being introduced by coach Jim Tressel.
Then came the senior introductions.
Tyson's introduction came last, even after the senior captains. The crowd cheered as he went across the field, just like they cheered for star players such as James Laurinaitis and Malcolm Jenkins. It was Tyson Gentry the Ohio State football player again.
Just like it was before that tragic spring day in 2006.
Just like it was before he suffered a broken C-4 vertebrae.
His medical progress has taken strides, including walking on a treadmill. One day he hopes to walk again.
Now as we all get excited for the upcoming season, the Ohio State family will miss the blessing we all knew as Tyson Gentry.
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