MOUNT CARMEL, Pa. — Jaden Leiby was a standout on the North Schuylkill High School football team, but on October 25, 2019, his life changed forever.
Leiby suffered a traumatic neck injury making a tackle, and is now paralyzed from the waist down.
"Being where I was in high school, you just never think this could happen to me; this could never happen to my family. And then when it does happen, it's like, 'Now what?'"
In the last four and a half years, Leiby has worked hard on his recovery, both physically and mentally. But he was at a crossroads on what his next steps should be.
Recently, he started motivational speaking.
"These past couple of months now, I've just been really thinking maybe this is my purpose. Maybe I could really talk to people and share my story," Leiby said.
Leiby spoke with students at Mount Carmel Area High School on Monday. He talked about his injury, his life now, and answered questions.
"If it didn't happen to you, why not live the life you could be living? This life of fulfillment, this life of hitting your goals, pushing yourself to the limits."
Members of the Mount Carmel High School football team presented Leiby with a football and a jersey and named him a lifelong Tornado.
"I think it could definitely make a big impact on everyone in here, especially the football players," said junior Luke Blessing. "Don't take anything for granted and work your hardest because anything could be your last play, your last day."
"It was definitely inspiring, and I'm sure it would inspire people all around the world, not only at Mount Carmel, but other schools," freshman Jaylen Delaney said.
Leiby calls these speaking opportunities a blessing. He says he's excited about this next chapter in his life or, as he refers to it, his next field of play.