Michigan Teen Suffers Spinal Fractures in Devastating High School Football Hit

A Michigan high school football game took a frightening turn when 15-year-old Colton Mims suffered serious spinal injuries during a junior varsity matchup between Lakeshore and Kalamazoo Central.

Colton was crushed under the full weight of a much larger opposing player—not once, but twice—during a tackle that left fans stunned. Video of the incident quickly spread online, showing the brutal hit that sidelined the Kalamazoo Central sophomore for the season and potentially longer.

“As soon as it clicked that it was my son, I had to go down there,” said his mother, Courtney Mims. “I’ve never been as upset or shaken up.”

Colton was rushed to the hospital, where doctors diagnosed him with two spinal fractures. He’s now on muscle relaxers and under close medical supervision.

“He’s out at least for this season. We don’t know if he’ll ever be able to play again,” Courtney said. “This game means everything to him—it’s his whole life right now.”

Calling the incident “unacceptable,” she added, “My kid could have been paralyzed. He can barely walk right now.”

The school district has not yet commented. Meanwhile, Colton’s future in football remains uncertain.