Saved by a Trade: The Jerome Harrison Story

December 20, 2009 was the best day of Jerome Harrison's career. Oct 18, 2011 was the luckiest day of his life.

On December 20,2009 Harrison, a running back for the Cleveland Browns, ran for 286 yards and 3 touchdowns against the Kansas City Chiefs in a late season victory. The 286 yards broke a single game Browns' record held by Jim Brown and placed him in 3rd place all-time for single game yards. Quickly, Harrison became a hot commodity on the fantasy waiver wire and gave the Browns hope of their next great running back.

Unfortunately for Harrison, things did not continue in this positive direction and he lost his job to Peyton Hillis which lead to his being traded to the Philadelphia Eagles. While this was sad for Harrison, it turns out to have the first step in saving his life.

Harrison never caught on with the Eagles and struggled to succeed in 2010 which led to his signing with the Detroit Lions in the off-season, only to be traded right back to the Eagles. To the surprise of Harrison, this trade was the greatest thing to ever happen in life, in fact it saved his life.

During the routine physical, Harrison had to take in order for the trade to be completed, a tumor was found on his brain stem. The doctors were surprised that he was able to walk or even stand at this point. A surgery was set up to remove the tumor and it was supposed to be a three hour procedure, but it ended up lasting twelve hours as it was determined that the tumor was wrapped in veins and complications had occurred.

After surgery, the doctors were not positive if Harrison would be able to survive. The day following the surgery Harrison suffered a blood clot in his brain which resulted in him having a stroke and falling into a coma. Harrison was announced a quadriplegic and had paralyzed vocal chords requiring a feeding tube.

Harrison eventually was moved to a rehab center in Ann Arbor where he began recovery.

The player who had rushed for the 3rd most yards ever in a single NFL game now had to learn how to live an entirely new life, thanks to a trade that saved his.

James Brown did a special piece on Harrison on NFL Today:

http://www.cbsnews.com/8301-505263_162-57553570/jerome-harrison-opens-up-about-brain-tumor/