As Tyler Burton watched his former high school football team from the sideline Friday night, there was one question on everyone’s mind.
How are you doing?
“I’m cold!” Burton said. “I think my left foot might be frozen!”
It’s been a long road back from a serious brain injury suffered when he was assaulted in California a year ago. The former Mountain View football player was glad to back on the sideline, even if the medication he takes makes it hard for him to stay warm on a chilly night.
“It’s great to be here,” Burton said. “I just wish it was going better for Mountain View.”
The Thunder lost to O’Dea of Seattle 63-20 in the Class 3A quarterfinal at McKenzie Stadium. But the Thunder didn’t lack for inspiration.
Burton stunned his doctors when he emerged from a coma a month after being punched in the face in Chico, Calif., near where he was attending college. His progress back from that near-death experience continues to be an inspiration to others across the country.
“You wouldn’t believe the emails I get from people from all over who have been following his story,” said Roger Burton, Tyler’s father. “He’s my hero. It might be funny to hear a father say that of his son, but it’s true.”
Mountain View coach Adam Mathieson invited Burton to watch the game from the sidelines, presenting Tyler with his former Mountain View jersey.
“He was so excited when Coach Mathieson asked him to come to the game,” Roger Burton said. “Tyler said he wanted to wear his letterman’s jacket, so I had to go and find it. I wasn’t sure where it was.”
Tyler Burton watched the Thunder from a chair on the track behind the Mountain View bench. Occasionally, he would stand to talk with people in the stands, using a cane to help him walk.
“I’m doing good,” Tyler said. “It’s getting better. It’s a lot of hard work, but it keeps getting better every day.”
Roger Burton added: “You’re talking about a guy who in June needed a wheelchair to get around. Now, look at him.”
Tyler said he hopes to return to college next year.
“Heck, Tyler wants to play football again,” Roger Burton said. “The doctors told him he wouldn’t. But then Tyler says ‘You guys said I wouldn’t be alive right now, and here I am.’ “
