14-year-old Liberty High freshman loses use of both arms after breaking neck in first high school football game

A 14-year-old freshman at Liberty High School in suburban Kansas City lost the use of both arms after suffering multiple neck fractures and spinal cord damage during his first high school football game on Sept. 3, his family said.

Ju'Lius Byers, an outdoorsy teenager who enjoyed fishing and had long dreamed of playing four years of high school football and then at Missouri Western State University, was injured in the second quarter of a game against rival Lee's Summit, according to his family and local station Fox 4 Kansas City. He was taken to Children's Mercy Hospital, where doctors treated him for a concussion, three fractures in his neck and spinal cord injury.

Byers underwent two emergency surgeries and "is beginning the long road of recovery," his father, William Byers IV, wrote on a GoFundMe page set up to help cover medical and rehabilitation costs. The family said the injury "turned what should have been an exciting milestone into every parent’s worst nightmare."

Byers told Fox 4 he remembers taking a hit and "blacked out a little bit" before waking in the hospital. He has lost the use of both arms but is able to walk, the family said. Doctors have not publicly released further medical details.

The GoFundMe campaign describes anticipated expenses including extended hospital stays, intensive rehabilitation and ongoing therapy; the family set a goal of $26,000. William Byers IV said his son is leaning on faith and family support as he recovers, and added that Ju'Lius could be discharged from the hospital "as early as this week." "Keep praying because it's working," Ju'Lius told Fox 4.

Liberty High School identified Byers as a freshman who was playing in his first-ever high school contest. The incident occurred during the second quarter after what the family described as "a couple of plays" by the student-athlete.

Local officials and the school district did not immediately respond to requests for comment. The hospital confirmed emergency surgery had been performed but declined to provide further details, citing patient privacy.

Spinal cord injuries in youth sports are rare but can be severe. Recovery typically depends on the level and completeness of the spinal cord injury, the extent of associated fractures and the speed of medical intervention. The family said Ju'Lius is focused on recovery and maintaining a positive outlook as he begins rehabilitation.

Friends, classmates and members of the Liberty High community have been sharing messages of support on social media and through the fundraising page. The family asked for continued prayers and said they believe the teenager will "continue to fight and heal" with faith, love and community support.