Son's injury has Hixons 'anxious'

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Son's injury has Hixons 'anxious'

By MIKE ORGAN

Staff Writer

If anyone ever realized the risk of injury on the football field, it is Stan Hixon.

Hixon spent a quarter of a century coaching the sport on the high school and college level before landing a job this past year as the receivers coach for the Washington Redskins.

But knowing it could happen hasn't made the severe injury Hixon's son, Drew, suffered in the second quarter of Tennessee Tech's game Saturday at South Florida any easier to deal with.

The Hixon family has kept a close watch on Drew, 22, who has been in a medically induced coma since arriving at St. Joseph's Hospital in Tampa Saturday night.

''The doctors tell us it's day-to-day and will be week-to-week,'' Stan Hixon said yesterday. ''It could be a long process. Our family is anxious for something to happen. We know that God is in control and He'll answer our prayers.''

   

Drew Hixon suffered a brain injury and is relying on a ventilator for his breathing.

Some positive signs have been detected the last two days, though Hixon has not regained consciousness. Doctors have lowered his blood pressure medicine and some slight movement has been detected while he sleeps.

While preparing his team for Sunday's game against the New York Giants, Redskins Coach Joe Gibbs said his staff and players are keeping the Hixons in their thoughts and prayers.

''We've just been in real prayer for him and the family, the team has, and we're just praying that (Drew) is going to make a quick recovery,'' Gibbs said in a statement released by the hospital.

Redskins owner Daniel Snyder called Stan Hixon and sent the team's chaplain, Brett Fuller, to be with the family in Tampa.

Stan Hixon, who spent the previous four years on the staff at LSU, said his son, who is 5 feet 10, 181 pounds, realized the dangers associated with playing football.

On a third-down play, Drew Hixon suffered a hit from South Florida safety Javan Camon and then a helmet-to-helmet collision with cornerback Mike Jenkins after making a catch. Hixon's helmet was knocked off during the play, but he did hold onto the ball.

Jenkins told the Tampa Tribune he thought Hixon saw him coming before the hit.

''I was surprised he didn't make a cut,'' said Jenkins, whose lip was cut in the collision. ''It looks like I caught him under the chin. Everybody wants a big hit, but you really don't wish that on anybody.''

''Injuries do happen and they are a part of the game,'' Stan Hixon said. ''Football is a contact sport, and there are going to be collisions. It's all just a part of the game.''

Rebecca Hixon, Drew's mother, said she witnessed the play, but didn't believe the injury was as serious as it turned out to be.

''I didn't see his helmet come off,'' Rebecca Hixon said. ''I've seen a lot of football and honestly I don't hold my breath when Drew is playing. I never thought that an injury like that would happen to him. Drew has never been injured before. I do pray before each game for both sides.''

Rebecca Hixon sent a message to the Tennessee Tech football team earlier this week encouraging the players to win tomorrow's game at VMI for Drew.

Drew is a senior majoring in finance. He was set to graduate in December. His father said he was considering a career in banking, football coaching, or possibly a front office job in the NFL.

''Drew's life has been football,'' Rebecca Hixon said. ''Even as a toddler he watched film with his dad.''

Tennessee Tech Assistant Athletic Director Randy Smith is with the Hixon family in Tampa and is keeping the team updated.

''We tell the players and the coaches every day about Drew's condition,'' Smith said. ''Our coach (Mike Hennigan) is doing a good job with the players. We just hope everything turns out OK. When we play this weekend we'll be thinking about Drew every second.''

Mike Organ is a staff writer for The Tennessean. He can be reached at 259-8021 or morgan@tennessean.com.

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