Brian Battie walks for first time with cane amid recovery from shooting

For the first time since his injuries in a May shooting, Brian Battie walked. The Auburn running back used a cane to take his first steps since the incident, his family announced on his GoFundMe.

Battie suffered a brain injury in a shooting in his home state and has been recovering ever since. He’s receiving treatment at Sarasota Memorial Hospital and his family praised the care he’s receiving from doctors.

Battie’s family said he set a goal of his birthday to start walking again. He did so with days to spare, and the joy was apparent in the update.

“I am overjoyed to share an inspiring moment in Brian’s journey,” the GoFundMe update read. “After facing the immense challenge of rehabbing after his type of brain injury, without knowing if Brian would walk again, he has achieved something incredible, Brian took his first steps with a cane!!!! Brian told us weeks ago that he would be on his feet by my birthday and he was taking steps with a cane by Tuesday! He believed he could and he DID!

“Witnessing this milestone filled our heart with indescribable happiness and pride. It’s a testament to Brian’s unwavering strength, resilience, and determination. This road hasn’t been easy, but with each small step forward, he has shown us the power of perseverance and courage.”

Battie was one of four people injured in a shooting which also took the life of his brother, Tommie Battie IV. The initial fear was he suffered paralysis due to his injuries, but a June update from the family indicated he was coming along well and could be able to walk again.

That became a reality this week, just days after Auburn head coach Hugh Freeze spoke at SEC Media Days ahead of the coming season. He previously said he’s in constant contact with Battie’s family as he recovers, and during his podium session this week, reiterated the star running back is still in the program’s thoughts.

“Our prayers are still with Brian Battie and his family as he’s still recovering from his incident that happened this summer,” Freeze said.

At the time of the shooting, Battie – a Sarasota native – was gearing up for his second season at Auburn after transferring from USF. Last year, he served as the Tigers’ primary kickoff returner, totaling 645 return yards on 28 attempts as a junior. As part of the running game, Battie ran for 227 yards and a touchdown while adding 52 receiving yards in the passing game.