From End Zone to Paralympic Podium
Athletes with football backgrounds are bringing their power, discipline and athlete mindset to Paralympic sport. The explosive strength, tactical awareness, and mental toughness developed on the football field have become key in Paralympic sports like Paralympic track and field, wheelchair rugby, and sitting volleyball. Paralympic sport offers athletes exploring their next endeavor new opportunities to compete, inspire and succeed on a global stage. Whether recovering from injury or finding new purpose, former football players are achieving success and gaining attention in the Paralympic arena.
What is Paralympic Sport?
The Paralympic Games are the pinnacle global sporting event for athletes with disabilities, showcasing the highest level of performance in Para sport. Held every two years, the Games bring together a diverse group of athletes competing under optimal conditions, and attract millions of spectators and billions of viewers worldwide.
The Paralympic Games are open to athletes with eligible physical, visual and intellectual impairments.
Who is eligible?
To be eligible for Paralympic sport, athletes must have a permanent impairment that affects their ability to participate in sport. Some athletes are born with their impairment (congenital), while others may acquire it later in life due to injury, illness or medical conditions (acquired). Impairments must be permanent in nature and cannot be cured through surgery or recovery.
Examples of Eligibility
- Amputees
- Spinal cord injuries (paralysis)
- Brachial plexus injuries (permanent) and Erb's palsy
- Stroke
- Multiple sclerosis
- Degenerative eye conditions
- Permanent nerve damage
- Balance and coordination health conditions
Ready to grow your talent and wanting to represent your country on the world stage? Take the first step with Team USA and start your next chapter in sport today.
Step 1. Eligibility
Contact Us Today!, opens in a new tabConfirm your eligibility for Paralympic sport with the Paralympic Pathway team.
Step 2. Identify Sports
Explore sports that you are most interested and eligible for within the Paralympic Movement.
Step 3. Get Classified
Be classified in the sport which starts your journey on the Paralympic pathway.
Step 4. Compete
Find a competition to attend and strive to achieve the sport's standards based on your classification.
Derek Loccident, Central Oklahoma '22
Derek was involved in a train accident during his sophomore year of college, which resulted in a below-the-knee amputation. As he neared the end of his collegiate football career, he began exploring opportunities in Paralympic track and field. His dedication and talent led to his selection for the U.S. Paralympic Team, and he went on to compete in the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games, where he earned two medals.
Josh Cinnamo, Luther College '03
Josh is a congenital below-elbow limb difference athlete who was a collegiate football player. After college, he transitioned to Paralympic sport, discovering his talent as a thrower in Paralympic track and field. Since then, he has become a two-time Paralympian (2020, 2024), a world champion, and currently holds the world record in the F46 shot put.
Joe Delegrave, Winona State '05
Joe played one year of Division II college football before experiencing a life-changing accident. The summer after his freshman year, he was involved in a boating accident that resulted in a broken neck and paralysis that resulted in quadriplegia. Following his rehabilitation, he discovered wheelchair rugby, a sport designed for quadriplegic athletes. He is a two time Paralympic medalist. He retired from competing and has transitioned into a coaching role, where he now serves as head coach of the USA Wheelchair Rugby National Team.
Contact Us Today!
Let's Connect!, opens in a new tabReach out to connect with our Paralympic Pathway team on your interest in Paralympic sport to begin your journey today.