Fort Lewis football player Jordan ‘JT’ Thomas suffers severe spinal cord injury during game

Fort Lewis College football player Jordan “JT” Thomas suffered a severe spinal cord injury during a game on Oct. 24, leaving him paralyzed from the neck down, according to his family.

Thomas sustained the injury during the Skyhawks’ homecoming game against Colorado State University Pueblo in Durango, Colorado. The teams met in a 28-21 contest.

His father, Marvin Thomas, launched a GoFundMe campaign to help cover mounting medical expenses, rehabilitation and travel costs. As of Nov. 1, donations had surpassed $113,000.

Tragic Incident During Homecoming Game

The injury occurred early in the fourth quarter when Thomas collided with a Colorado State Pueblo running back while attempting a tackle, The Durango Herald reported.

Thomas remained motionless on the field before medical personnel placed him on a stretcher. An ambulance then transported him for emergency medical care.

Fort Lewis College confirmed the serious injuries in an Oct. 29 statement. However, the college did not disclose specific medical details.

“Our thoughts are with Jordan, his family, teammates and coaches during this difficult time,” athletic director Shawn Jakubowski said.

Father Shares Update on Thomas’ Condition

Marvin Thomas described the severity of his son’s injury in the fundraiser. He said the spinal cord trauma initially left Jordan paralyzed from the neck down.

However, a family update posted Oct. 30 offered some encouraging developments.

Jordan could move his shoulders and had faint sensations in his arms, his father wrote. His breathing is getting better, blood pressure and fever are becoming stable.

The family said doctors continued monitoring his condition.

Fundraiser Helps Cover Medical and Travel Costs

Meanwhile, the family faces significant expenses while supporting Jordan’s treatment and recovery.

The fundraiser lists ambulance transportation, surgeries, rehabilitation, medical equipment and facility fees among its expenses.

It also seeks help with out-of-state medical costs, travel, lodging and lost wages. Family members are staying near Jordan while he receives care.

Marvin acknowledged that asking for financial assistance was difficult. However, he said the family’s circumstances involved urgent needs and many unknowns.

Jordan is a senior defensive back at Fort Lewis College. The school’s roster lists him as a senior from Oro Valley, Arizona, who attended Canyon del Oro High School.

He played in 40 games during his Fort Lewis career before the injury, according to All Sports Tucson.