Former NFL star volunteers to experience an athlete’s worst nightmare

Former Baylor and NFL linebacker Ray Crockett was never a teammate of Kyle Woods, but he recently volunteered to experience some of what Woods has dealt since his 1979 accident. Crockett spent a month confined to a wheelchair for an episode of FX’s 30 Days, learning what life can be like for a paraplegic.

The show, headed up by Morgan Spurlock of Super Size Me fame, takes individuals outside of their comfort zone for one month to see how others live. Crockett, a 14-year NFL veteran, won two Super Bowls with the Denver Broncos, and he was there when Denver Lions teammate Mike Utley was paralyzed during a game in 1991.

Crockett was clearly moved from the experience, both from what he went through and from others he met who didn’t have any choice about their fate. This 30-second commercial previews the episode, and FX has clips from the show online here, here, here and here.

Sic ’em, Ray, for your willingness to help others learn, and an extra-big sic ’em to those who deal with such disabilities everyday, for your courage in the face of adversity!