TSU football player Christion Abercrombie transferred to rehab center, continuing to improve

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (TSU News Service) – Tennessee State University football player Christion Abercrombie has been transferred to a rehabilitation center in Atlanta.

According to a release from the Shepherd Center, the 20-year-old student-athlete was moved from Vanderbilt University Medical Center on Oct. 17. Before the move, he was upgraded from critical to stable condition.

Christion sustained a brain injury during Tennessee State’s football game with Vanderbilt University on Sept. 29.

He was admitted to Shepherd Center’s Intensive Care Unit for evaluation, care and observation.

“Soon, he will move into the hospital’s Brain Injury Rehabilitation Program, where he will begin therapy under the guidance of a full team of medical and rehabilitation specialists,” according to the Center.

The facility specializes in medical treatment, research and rehabilitation for people with spinal cord injury or brain injury. Founded in 1975, Shepherd Center is a private, not-for-profit hospital and is ranked by U.S. News & World Report among the top 10 rehabilitation hospitals in the nation.

Staci Abercrombie, Christion’s mother, said at a press conference on Oct. 3 that she was optimistic about her son’s recovery because of her faith, and she reiterated that sentiment in a recent statement.

“We truly appreciate all of the love, support and prayers from everyone,” she said. “This has given the family the strength needed to be able to care for Christion. This injury was not expected, but God has prepared us and will continue to provide us with his healing power. We know that it’s a miracle that our son is here today. Please continue to pray for Christion’s full recovery.”

TSU President Glenda Glover said Christion’s improving health is “an example of what the power of prayer can do.”

“The TSU Family is extremely happy to hear that football player Christion Abercrombie is continuing to improve,” Glover said. “The news couldn't have come at a better time than during our homecoming week. The entire TSU Family has had Christion on our minds throughout the entire planning process of the last few weeks. Again, this is great news. We ask that everyone keep praying for Christion, and his family, as he moves to the next phase of care and ultimately makes a full recovery."

Prayer for Christion has been ongoing. Shortly after the incident, the TSU family held a prayer vigil for him, and the university’s National Alumni Association called for a special day of prayer

A GoFundMe has been set up to help Christion and his family. To donate, visit www.gofundme.com/tennessee-state-univ-athletics-dept.