As an NFL prospect and former SEC defensive tackle, KD Hill was used to violent on-field encounters. But on July 21, 2023, he was involved in an accident unlike any other.
His leg was stuck between his car and a tree when he woke up.
Following five hours of car extrication work by emergency personnel, Hill received two blood transfusions and was airlifted to the University of Alabama at Birmingham Hospital’s Level I Trauma Center for surgery.
Hill had to have his right leg amputated below the knee due to the severity of the crash. Hill underwent physical and occupational therapy sessions over the next two weeks as part of his pre-prosthetic rehabilitation, which helped him get used to living without his leg. To remove any foreign objects and damaged tissue from the wound, he had seven surgical procedures. His amputation incision was closed with a skin graft applied to the remaining limb as his final operation.
“Our initial objective with KD was to alleviate his discomfort and begin promoting his mobility,” stated Conley Carr, M.D., the medical director of the UAB Orthotics and Prosthetics Clinic and the person in charge of the Limb Loss Clinic. “A few days after surgery, KD was already moving around the hospital and was undoubtedly ahead of the curve. After surgery, a lot of patients move on to Spain Rehab, but KD was able to avoid that entirely because of how soon he recovered his mobility. We were quite happy with his development.”
Hill was invited to test out for two NFL teams and was a defensive tackle for the Ole Miss football team before the accident. Hill was a leader both on and off the field while attending Ole Miss, and he took an active part in assisting his Oxford, Mississippi, community.
“I wanted to play in the NFL, but God had something else for me,” Hill stated. “I’ve always understood that God wants me to take action in order to influence and exalt him. I used to mentor young people on the football field, but I had no idea that my career as a mentor would end at age 23 due to an injury that required the amputation of my leg. Adversity in life always teaches you something, and I am confident that God is using this to further my goals rather than bring me damage. I’ve been able to fulfill my life’s purpose and calling thanks to this accident.”
