Georgia High School Football Player Suffers Brain Injury During Game

The family of a Georgia high school football player is seeking financial assistance after his recent game-related injury. Joanna Paradiso, the older sister of Archer High School middle linebacker OJ Appiah, created a GoFundMe page that details their situation.

Paradiso wrote:

“As some of you may know, on the evening of November 15th, OJ was involved in a terrible injury while playing in the Archer football game. He has suffered a traumatic brain injury and is currently in the ICU.”

She wrote that donations will go to her brother’s medical expenses, which are significant despite having insurance. Likewise, the money will also help Appiah’s family cover living expenses like food, utilities, and mortgage. As of writing, they have raised $13,395 out of the $35,000 goal.

Archer hosted Harrison in the game Paradiso described, and the Tigers won 46-42. However, as 11Alive’s Angelina Salcedo reported, Appiah collapsed while shaking hands with the opposing team. After this, an assistant coach notified Paradiso, saying he was unresponsive but had a pulse.

From Friday Night Lights to a Fight for His Life 🏈💔

OJ Appiah, a 17 Y/O #ArcherHighSchool football star, is in the hospital after collapsing post-game last week. His dreams of playing pro-football shattered as he battles a traumatic brain injury. @11AliveNews pic.twitter.com/AQWn34EQs0

— Angelina Salcedo (@AngelinaOnTV) November 23, 2024

The life-threatening situation had Appiah rushed to Marietta, Georgia’s Wellstar Kennestone Hospital. The doctors are optimistic that the Georgia high school football linebacker will recover due to his age and physical condition before the injury. Paradiso attested to the fight her brother is manifesting by writing on GoFundMe:

“Through the grace of God and all of your well wishes, we are overjoyed to share that he continues to make daily progress!”

As an emergency procedure, doctors have removed a portion of Appiah’s skull to relieve the swelling. However, additional surgery might happen as his condition improves.

Georgia High School Football Player’s Career Is Over

As Paradiso shared with 11Alive, her brother shared his excitement for that game against Harrison because college football scouts were in attendance. For Appiah, playing well against the Hoyas could earn him a scholarship.

Sadly, he cannot play football anymore, even if he fully recovers from his critical condition. His sister mentioned that the excessive swelling means that any hit to his head could lead to permanent damage.

It’s an unfortunate development for someone playing his final year of Georgia high school football. However, Appiah’s severe battle has the Archer community supporting him and his family. In addition to the financial assistance, the Tigers honored their teammate by lifting his jersey, number 95, before the kickoff in their Nov. 22 game against West Forsyth.

Meanwhile, Appiah’s mother, Lizzy, cares for her son day and night at her career’s expense. Paradiso wrote on GoFundMe:

“As the sole provider for her family, Lizzy has been unable to work as a nurse during this time, making it increasingly difficult to meet her family’s financial needs.”