In recent years the sport of American Football has been a topic of major controversy due to the risk of brain injury associated with the sport. This risk was a reality in the case of Wyatt Hernandez, who recieved a serious concussion in football his freshman year. After years of recovering from the severe symptoms he sustained, Wyatt did not turn his back on the sport. Instead he made it his goal to return to the game that he loved the most in any way possible. Many people asked him why he would want to return to a sport that nearly ruined his life?

Wyatt Hernandez is a student at Sisters High School, where he serves as Student Body President and loves his family, friends, animals, and community. He is active in sports from golf to swimming, but football is above all. Once graduating high school Wyatt will be attending Willamette University and hopes to achieve a future career in law enforcement. During his free time Wyatt also strives to begin an outreach program that helps students of Central Oregon that have been affected by concussions.

This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at https://www.ted.com/tedx