By Mallory Mattingly
Seattle Seahawks linebacker Derick Hall cherished winning his first Super Bowl as he reflected on the time he spent in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit of Memorial Hospital, Gulfport.
Born premature with a 1% chance of survival, Hall spent the first five months of his life in the neonatal intensive care unit.
On Sunday, nurses and doctors from the NICU he stayed at celebrated his trip to Super Bowl LX.
“Good luck, Derick Hall & the Seattle Seahawks. We’re cheering you on from the NICU at Memorial Hospital,” their message read, per the Biloxi Sun Herald.
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Throughout his life, Hall suffered different setbacks caused by his premature birth.
“He still suffered from respiratory illness and had semi-annual CT/MRI scans, but he had made so much progress in those six years. I think a lot of the credit for getting him caught up was because he was enrolled in the First Steps Program [an Early Intervention Program offered through the Mississippi State Department of Health],” his mother, Stacy, told the hospital.
But no matter the challenges, Hall continued to persevere.
“We were a lot stronger than we thought we were. He was resilient in his will to live, and I would walk the earth two times over just to get to the point we are today,” Stacy said. “I learned that we were not quitters, and as long as Derick showed signs of improvement, I was going to fight for his life with all that I had.”
Aside from his love of football, Hall desires to serve his community and give back to those who need it, like he once did.
He created the Derick Hall One Percent Foundation, built on his story of “resilience and hope,” with the aim of supporting premature babies and their families, along with fighting food insecurity and addressing childhood obesity.
“Derick’s life began with a 1% chance of survival. Against all odds, he overcame immense challenges, including a 99% probability of not walking or talking. Today, Derick is a testament to what can be achieved with determination and the unwavering support of a caring community,” the foundation’s website reads.
“Being a kid who came from humble beginnings, it was important for me to make a difference in my community now that I have the platform to do so. Volunteering with my mom, I have seen families come in asking for assistance with the necessities such as food and clothing that some of us take for granted,” Hall told Memorial Hospital, Gulfport.
Though the linebacker and his team’s Super Bowl win on Sunday was impressive, his story of resilience and perseverance will continue to inspire.
Read Next: Seahawks Claim Super Bowl LX Win: ‘Thank God for This Blessing’
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