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Standing Tall: The Kevin Everett Story
As a powerfully built, third-year tight end with the Buffalo Bills, Kevin Everett had it all: a promising NFL future, a beautiful girlfriend whom he planned to marry, and an engaging personality that made him one of his team's most popular players. He also had a wonderful family that included his devoted mother and his three adoring younger sisters, for whom he had recently purchased a home in suburban Houston, Texas. And then, in a fraction of a second, his life was changed forever when he was paralyzed while making a tackle against the Denver Broncos in the 2007 season opener.
216 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2008
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30 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews
August 15, 2021
Anyone who has followed football for the past fourteen seasons knows about the Kevin Everett story, particularly the special teams attempted tackle that ended his pro football career.
One of the elements of this book that I appreciated was that author Sam Carchidi didn't sugarcoat the narrative on Everett's career ending injury, or the rehabilitation process the former tight end experienced at the TIRR Memorial Hermann Rehabilitation Hospital.
Carchidi let you know on just about every page that Everett's recovery process was hard, and that this book wasn't going to be some 214-page feel good/super sweet telling of that recovery process.
One of the best parts of this book too was that Carchidi discussed Everett's support system outside of the hospital where he did his rehab, which included his mother and fiancée (at the time) Wiande Moore. Adding into this book some of Moore's journal entries (during the rehab process) was a good touch by the author and editors of this book.
Pros of Standing Tall: The book was written in an objective tone, which meant that you were able to visualize the triumphs and struggles that Kevin Everett endured in his rehabilitation process. Suffering a career ending injury in football and then going into the rehab process for that injury can challenge any man to his core, and the author of this book clearly wanted you to know that.
Cons of Standing Tall: If you were looking for a book that was about a football player and his career in that sport, then this book isn't for you. There was some football information in this book mind you, but it was mostly found near the beginning and middle of the book. And I think that was Carchidi's, the editors, and the publishers of this book's intent.
In conclusion, pick up Standing Tall if you're looking for an objective and/or telling it like it is book on a football player's career ending injury and the subsequent rehabilitation process.
One of the elements of this book that I appreciated was that author Sam Carchidi didn't sugarcoat the narrative on Everett's career ending injury, or the rehabilitation process the former tight end experienced at the TIRR Memorial Hermann Rehabilitation Hospital.
Carchidi let you know on just about every page that Everett's recovery process was hard, and that this book wasn't going to be some 214-page feel good/super sweet telling of that recovery process.
One of the best parts of this book too was that Carchidi discussed Everett's support system outside of the hospital where he did his rehab, which included his mother and fiancée (at the time) Wiande Moore. Adding into this book some of Moore's journal entries (during the rehab process) was a good touch by the author and editors of this book.
Pros of Standing Tall: The book was written in an objective tone, which meant that you were able to visualize the triumphs and struggles that Kevin Everett endured in his rehabilitation process. Suffering a career ending injury in football and then going into the rehab process for that injury can challenge any man to his core, and the author of this book clearly wanted you to know that.
Cons of Standing Tall: If you were looking for a book that was about a football player and his career in that sport, then this book isn't for you. There was some football information in this book mind you, but it was mostly found near the beginning and middle of the book. And I think that was Carchidi's, the editors, and the publishers of this book's intent.
In conclusion, pick up Standing Tall if you're looking for an objective and/or telling it like it is book on a football player's career ending injury and the subsequent rehabilitation process.
March 2, 2023
My review is nothing based off the story of Kevin Everett, but more on the writing. It seems as though the author uses an abundance of filler. He reminds us about the injury multiple times, and every time he mentions someone’s name he reminds us of their job, and the full name of the hospital.
Kevin, great story. Very motivational.
Kevin, great story. Very motivational.
August 24, 2018
Great story, the really strange part was that I was there at the game when Kevin was injured.
November 4, 2022
Perfect length, a really touching story about rising from the ashes and pushing to get better. A few too many religious quotes and references for me but a very inspiring story.
February 14, 2023
Good by Sam c
Similar to Adam t story
Similar to Adam t story
August 27, 2024
This was an amazing story. Kevin’s recovery was incredible and he had his family behind him the entire time.
January 26, 2011
“When someone gets hit on the field, that’s the No. 1 thing they want to do-put the thumbs up to let everyone know it’s not that bad. But I couldn’t do it.” That was one of many things ex- Buffalo Bill’s tight end Kevin Everett said in his all tell book, “Standing Tall,” written by Sam Carchidi. The story is a reiteration of a gargantuan 25 year old man who stood 6ft 4in tall and weighed 255 pounds, in Kevin Everett, and his struggles off the field because of a bone crushing hit he took on the field.
For me this novel was a solid 4 out of 5. The book itself is not the best written literary piece, but the ideas of love and courage conveyed were enough for me to give in to the heartfelt story of Kevin Everett. Although I usually don’t let common ‘triumphs’ over injuries get the best of me, this story seemed shockingly realistic to in that I too have played football and have seen players get injured, which is why I find it amazing for a person to actually enable another to write a book about them; recording every moment, good or bad, while they overcome a significant obstacle in life. “When you get an injury like this, everyone should know that time is of the essence.” After seeing this line, what came into thought for me was the harsh reality of death. Regardless of the ‘advanced’ medical technology we now have, there are still gloomy circumstances when people do not survive ‘simple’ procedures. From time to time, I tend to forget what I really want in life, but after reading that line and this book, I am positively sure that I do not want to ever experience such a disposition, which has led me to make some dream-smashing revelations: Football is fun, but not my present or future and death sucks because you won’t have a present or future.
For me this novel was a solid 4 out of 5. The book itself is not the best written literary piece, but the ideas of love and courage conveyed were enough for me to give in to the heartfelt story of Kevin Everett. Although I usually don’t let common ‘triumphs’ over injuries get the best of me, this story seemed shockingly realistic to in that I too have played football and have seen players get injured, which is why I find it amazing for a person to actually enable another to write a book about them; recording every moment, good or bad, while they overcome a significant obstacle in life. “When you get an injury like this, everyone should know that time is of the essence.” After seeing this line, what came into thought for me was the harsh reality of death. Regardless of the ‘advanced’ medical technology we now have, there are still gloomy circumstances when people do not survive ‘simple’ procedures. From time to time, I tend to forget what I really want in life, but after reading that line and this book, I am positively sure that I do not want to ever experience such a disposition, which has led me to make some dream-smashing revelations: Football is fun, but not my present or future and death sucks because you won’t have a present or future.
November 12, 2015
Standing Tall: The Kevin Everett Story by Sam Carchidi was a Tremendous book. When I first read what it was going to be about I knew it was going to be a powerful book. This book went slow in the beginning but then it started to get better and better as it went on. This book would be perfect for someone who is facing adversity in their life because it would help them stay strong no matter how low you are. This book helped me understand that I may think some things are hard but it could always get harder so never take anything for advantage.
One question I had when I finished reading this book is what if that happened to me because we play the same sport. Would I be as strong as he was through his whole journey of fighting to get back to the sport I love like he did?
This book talks about a professional football player life named Kevin Everett from high school when he was in high school to that never forgetting last play. It talks about how hard he fought to get back to playing the sport he loves. It takes about all the challenges he had to face to get to get back to 100% healthy.
This book was eye opening for me because it shows how you can go from being able to do anything you want then the next second your life is on the line. It showed me how to never take life for granted because anything can happen to you at any given time. I recommend this book to people who play sports that are going to adversity in their sport. I give this book a 4 out of 5.
One question I had when I finished reading this book is what if that happened to me because we play the same sport. Would I be as strong as he was through his whole journey of fighting to get back to the sport I love like he did?
This book talks about a professional football player life named Kevin Everett from high school when he was in high school to that never forgetting last play. It talks about how hard he fought to get back to playing the sport he loves. It takes about all the challenges he had to face to get to get back to 100% healthy.
This book was eye opening for me because it shows how you can go from being able to do anything you want then the next second your life is on the line. It showed me how to never take life for granted because anything can happen to you at any given time. I recommend this book to people who play sports that are going to adversity in their sport. I give this book a 4 out of 5.
May 25, 2014
Kevin Everett is a remarkable individual. His willingness,drive and faith in God to recover was so evident as this book chronicles the road he had to travel to get there. Starting with the accident itself and much personal account as well as accounts from his girlfriend's journal and his mother, you get an in depth look at the recovery process. I was very intrigued by the hypothermia method they used to treat his injury, but was disappointed to not hear more about his life and time with the team. I feel that the chapters in some cases may be too long as some of it seems repetitive, but all in all it is an enjoyable read. This is a book for anyone who loves the Buffalo Bills, Kevin Everett or sports injuries turned success stories! Reminded me of the Dennis Byrd story.
April 11, 2008
Wow- what an inspiration to anyone and everyone. It was so hard not to cry from all of the emotions expressed. Kevin has such a great support team (Team Kevin). I only hope for the best for him and his future wife, and his continued success in walking/ running ect.
January 3, 2014
I enjoyed finding out details of Kevin's injury and recovery but I felt like some of the writing could have been better. It seemed to jump around in a few places, to the point that I would have to go back and reread to see who someone was that was being referred to.
March 30, 2008
This book is for any football fan. It gave me chills reading about what he felt when he was laying on the field. It is a true inspiring story of strength, faith and family.
August 9, 2008
Very inspirational it was almost sad i loved it
January 31, 2011
Great account of the battle Kevin Everett fought to come back from a life-debilitating football injury.
September 11, 2015
The book was very thrilling and shocking. It felt like i was watching a movie in my mind. Will Kevin Everett's life ever be the same? Will he get back up and finish the game? Find out!
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September 22, 2018I'm doing research on spinal cord injuries and have read a number of biographies, particularly of people who were injured during football games. It was a decent account and helpful for the research I'm doing.
The storytelling jumped around in time somewhat, but we got the important point. Dennis Byrd's story had better narrative structure, but it is still an inspiring story. I'd also recommend Chris Norton's book.
I know this book was released less than a year after his injury, which was now more than a decade ago. I wish there was more update on how Kevin and his (then fiance) are doing now, and wish them well.
The storytelling jumped around in time somewhat, but we got the important point. Dennis Byrd's story had better narrative structure, but it is still an inspiring story. I'd also recommend Chris Norton's book.
I know this book was released less than a year after his injury, which was now more than a decade ago. I wish there was more update on how Kevin and his (then fiance) are doing now, and wish them well.
Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews