Injured San Jose State Player to Watch Game Against TCU

Neil Parry didn’t shed a tear during an emotional reunion with his family, friends and teammates Friday at San Jose State.

Parry, the sophomore walk-on whose right foot and ankle were amputated two weeks ago, was released from the hospital this week after nearly a month of extensive surgery, rehabilitation and rest. He will watch the Spartans’ game against No. 9 Texas Christian tonight from a box seat at Spartan Stadium.

Looking healthy and upbeat while seated in a wheelchair, Parry gave thanks for the support he received after he seriously injured the leg during an Oct. 14 game against Texas El Paso. He was joined by his parents, Coach Dave Baldwin and his brother Josh, the Spartan team captain and top linebacker.

The injury damaged nerves and arteries in Parry’s leg, and surgery to repair the damage resulted in an infection that necessitated the amputation.

Parry said he didn’t feel any pain when the injury occurred. He had planted his right foot while turning to chase Texas El Paso’s kickoff returner, and a blocked teammate awkwardly tumbled into him.

“It didn’t even start to hurt until I got in the ambulance,” Parry said.

Parry’s father, Nick, said he and his son don’t plan to watch replays of the injury. They’re more interested in moving forward with Neil’s eventual return to a normal life--and perhaps even football.

“It’s tough when your child looks up at you for an answer, and you don’t have an answer,” said Nick Parry, who went onto the field when the injury occurred. “[Days later], I was the one who told him the leg was going to come off, and after a minute of silence, he said, ‘Dad, you’ve got to roll with the punches.’ ”

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