Everett 'determined to fight through it'

HOUSTON -- Buffalo Bills tight end Kevin Everett feels fortunate to be alive, and he is determined to continue the significant progress he already has made in the five weeks since sustaining a severe spinal-cord injury.

"I have shown significant progress in my recovery," Everett said Wednesday, in a statement released by Houston's Memorial Hermann Hospital, where the player has spent the past three weeks in rehab.

"But I am also fully aware that the recovery from this type of injury I have sustained is filled with many peaks and valleys.

"While the road to recovery is long and hard, I am determined to fight through it each and every day."

The comments were Everett's first since he was hurt while making a tackle during Buffalo's season opener against Denver on Sept. 9. They came days after Everett was able to take a few first steps with the assistance of a walker and had developed enough strength to use his feet to push himself around in a wheelchair.

Referring to those accomplishments as "great triumphs," Everett added: "I maintain a positive attitude and feel fortunate every day that I am alive and well."

Everett also thanked his family, friends, doctors and fans for their support, saying he was "deeply humbled."