Tyson Gentry
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Tyson Gentry | |
|---|---|
| Born | July 20, 1985 |
| Occupation | Author, motivational speaker, philanthropist, consultant |
| Website | |
| www | |
Tyson Gentry (born July 20, 1985) is an American author, motivational speaker, philanthropist, and advocate for individuals and families affected by spinal cord injuries.[1] Gentry was a former football player for The Ohio State Buckeyes. His career was cut short after sustaining a spinal cord injury during a spring scrimmage in 2006.[2]
Gentry was recruited as a preferred walk-on punter in 2004 but also started playing scout team wide receiver almost immediately.[3] In the spring of his sophomore year, he was asked to move to receiver full-time.[citation needed]
On April 14, 2006, during a team scrimmage, Gentry sustained a cervical spinal cord injury at the C-4 level after being tackled by teammate, Kurt Coleman. The injury resulted in the loss of all sensation and movement below his shoulders. Gentry underwent two surgeries to stabilize and fuse his damaged vertebra. After two months of intensive physical and occupational therapy, Gentry regained limited strength in his biceps and partial sensation in his extremities.[citation needed]
Despite his injury, Gentry resumed his studies the following fall and remained involved with the football program through his senior season in 2008. He graduated with his bachelor's degree in speech and hearing science in 2009. In 2014, Gentry earned his master's degree in rehabilitation counseling from the State University of New York at Buffalo.[citation needed]
Philanthropy
In 2014, Gentry and his wife, Megan, started New Perspective Foundation, which seeks to serve families affected by spinal cord injuries.[4] The main purpose is to provide financial support for travel expenses, so families can be at the hospital bedside of loved ones as they recover after sustaining an SCI.[5] In July 2024, New Perspective celebrated its 10-year anniversary, having given over $600,000 to more than 250 families since its inception.[6]