Football Great Doak Walker Paralyzed After Ski Accident

Hall of Fame running back Doak Walker sustained a paralyzing injury when he fell while skiing at a Steamboat ski resort, and his prospects for recovery are uncertain, doctors reported Saturday.

There’s no sign of fracture, but the injury has left him paralyzed indefinitely, said Dr. Jay Law, neurosurgeon at Columbia Swedish Medical Center.

“He’s not moving his arms or legs,” Law said. “There’s some spontaneous movements now and then, but we’re not certain if they’re reflexes.”

Trauma surgeon Dr. John Wolz said it’s too early to tell whether the 71-year-old former Heisman Trophy winner will recover.

Walker’s injury will require a long-term recovery and rehabilitation, Wolz said.

Walker was airlifted to the hospital from Steamboat Springs on Friday after falling on a groomed intermediate trail. Walker remained in a coma until sometime Friday night, Wolz said.