Olympian Raising Money for Teen Football Player Who Lost Leg

As Northeast High School senior defensive lineman Leshawn Williams begins the long road to recovery following the amputation of his right leg, he won’t be alone.

A ground-swelling of support is pouring in from fellow students, teammates, community organizations and three-time Olympic gold medal winner Brooke Bennett.

The Olympic swimmer, and Plant City native, is married to Northeast’s head football coach Jeremy Frioud. She helped launch a Give Forward campaign on Williams’ behalf Tuesday morning. That campaign seeks to raise at least $50,000 to offset the expenses the family will face following the teen’s amputation.

“Leshawn has a bright future ahead of him,” the fundraiser page states. “The key to his success is the support of his family, friends and Viking Football.”

Williams, who turns 18 Thursday, suffered a severe injury during the Vikings’ match against Clearwater on Friday. The teen was taken to the hospital, where complications from blood clotting arose.

“After four different procedures and with the opinions of numerous doctors, Sunday evening Leshawn’s right leg was amputated at the thigh,” the Give Forward page states.

The 50 Legs foundation has also stepped forward, offering a $35,000 prosthetic leg for the teen when he’s ready, according to The Tampa Tribune. That nonprofit organization provides assistance to amputees. It gained notoriety for helping Palm Harbor toddler Ireland Nugent following a 2013 lawn mower accident.

Williams’ injury caps off a month where high school football player injuries and deaths have made national news. Three high school football players died in a single week due to game-related activities, Time reported.

To donate to the Williams family, visit Give Forward.

Photo Credit: Leshawn Williams, No. 69, on the field with the Vikings. Photo courtesy of Brooke Bennett’s Give Forward campaign.

See Also:

• Northeast High Football Player Loses Leg After Injury
• Is High School Football Too Dangerous?
• High School Sacks Football Season Because Of Concussions