San Antonio Area Paralyzed Football Player Receives NFL Award
 Young “Gridiron Hero” who battled back after life-threatening spinal cord injuries receives recognition from Houston Texans for his community work with other spinal injury victims

HOUSTON, TX (December 22, 2006) – Schertz resident Chris Canales is to be honored Sunday, December 24th on-field at Reliant Stadium before the Houston Texans & Indianapolis Colts game by the Houston Texans as one of six finalists selected for the NFL Community Quarterback Awards. The award recognizes outstanding volunteers who exemplify leadership, dedication and a commitment to improving their communities.  A reception was held December 13th, 2006, at the United Way building in Houston.

In November of 2001, in the 4th quarter of a playoff deciding game in San Marcos, Chris Canales lay motionless on the football field for nineteen minutes after his touchdown saving tackle.  His neck broken, Chris battled for his life for three weeks and was left paralyzed with only limited use of his arms and hands.  He is only one of many young men around the country who suffered catastrophic spinal cord injuries during high school football related activities.  Over the past five seasons in Texas alone, more than twelve high school athletes have been paralyzed by spinal cord injury suffered on the playing field. 

“I am very proud of Chris’ accomplishments and his inner strength”, says Eddie Canales, Founder of Gridiron Heroes and Chris’ father. “Chris and I have worked very hard to bring hope to similarly affected athletes and their families. The initial aftermath is devastating in all aspects”

Chris’ injury and the lack of any organized support system for families prompted his father, Eddie Canales, to form “Gridiron Heroes”; a Texas based spinal cord injury organization. The organization offers much needed support and outreach services to families affected by these types of tragedies.  Through “Gridiron Heroes”, Chris and his father are able to shine a light on the true financial and emotional toll, catastrophic spinal cord injuries take on these young men and their families. For more information, visit www.gridironheroes.org for more information.