The City of South Fulton will celebrate Christion Abercrombie Day Thursday, December 19 at Westlake High School at 6 p.m. Abercrombie sustained a severe brain injury during a college football game in 2018, but has made remarkable progress in the months since.
“Christion continues to be a huge inspiration to all of us,” said Mayor William “Bill” Edwards. “His resilience is unmatched, and the City of South Fulton is pleased to celebrate this day in his honor.”
While at Westlake High School, Christion Abercrombie was ranked one of the top 100 outside linebackers in the nation by ESPN.com. As a senior, he was named Defensive Player of the Year. Last year, during his redshirt sophomore season with the Tennessee State University Tigers, he sustained a critical brain injury in a game against Vanderbilt University that left him unable to walk or talk.
He underwent emergency surgery and spent over two weeks at the Vanderbilt Medical Center. He then spent two months at the Shepherd Rehabilitation Center in the metro area, had another brain surgery and finally completed his outpatient rehabilitation in this March.
Abercrombie’s road to recovery has been watched nationwide. Support has poured out for him and his family from all over the country. The athlete’s positive attitude despite his battles has inspired fans of all ages.
This year, Abercrombie was the Presidential Grand Marshall in the TSU homecoming parade and was tapped to announce the Tennessee Titans’ draft pick on national television. Over the summer, he provided words of encouragement for Fulton County Schools’ student-athletes during media day.
The Westlake High School community has been among his biggest supporters. Students have held fundraisers in support of Abercrombie, and last December made him the focus of the school’s “Do Good December” events.
Just recently, the school established the Lionheart Award in his honor. Abercrombie is the first recipient of the award which will be given annually going forward.
“Christion has faced challenges that some didn’t think he would overcome, but by the grace of God, Christion is thriving through it all,” said his mother, Staci Abercrombie. “He is thankful, happy and looking forward to a brighter future.”
Photo Credit: Fulton County Schools