TROUP, Texas — An East Texas high school football player is finally returning home to Troup after suffering a severe head injury last Fall.
The Reid's family spokesperson Mandi Braswell, shared Cooper's update through a Facebook post.
"This has been a whirlwind of a week. After meeting with Dr. Azariah, Cooper’s rehab doctor, it was confirmed Wednesday, February 15th would be the BIG day," the Facebook post said.
Cooper, a junior at Troup High School, was injured during Troup's homecoming matchup against Buffalo in September 2022.
He was hospitalized on Sept. 9 and transferred to TIRR Memorial Hermann in Houston on Oct. 3.
In Houston, Cooper has made great progress according to the Facebook post.
"He took four to five big/full steps on his first lap in the gym, he used his own weight and strength to help stand up from his chair, and he was looking all around the gym. This was all new," the Facebook post said.
Almost five months since the injury, Cooper will continue to recover at his home. In the post, the Reid family shared they learned how to care daily for Cooper and have made some changes to help with his recovery.
"Getting him home and getting the house ready for him (has) been a process. Our builder, Kory Moon, and his crew are taking care of Cooper’s bathroom renovation and from what I understand, anonymous donors (donated supplies) and materials," the Facebook post said.
Dr. Crutchfield will continue to follow Cooper's progress when he returns home.
"We have spoken with Dr. Crutchfield who has been following Cooper’s progress every step of the way after leaving Tyler. He shared with us that Cooper’s latest CT scans looked good and can see positive changes since September. His ventricles are somewhat enlarged but nothing dangerous or alarming," the Facebook post said.
The Reid family is grateful to everyone and is excited that Cooper will recover "at home, in his own environment with family and friends to see what he can do on his own."
On the same Facebook post, Braswell encourages the community to turn Troup Blue for #22 on Wednesday, Feb. 15 for Cooper.