Tulsa Man 'Amazing Emeka' Honored On Ellen DeGeneres Show

A Tulsa man who was challenged by recent events was surprised by Ellen DeGeneres. 

Emeka Nnaka was paralyzed 9 years ago while playing semi-pro football for the Oklahoma Thunder. He recently lost everything in an apartment fire not long after wrecking his wheelchair-accessible van. His father, who is his primary caregiver, was sidelined by an injury this year as well.

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"Amazing Emeka," as Ellen christened him, is also known for his work helping at-risk kids around town. 

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Dozens reached out to Ellen about his story and on her show Thursday, Ellen and Cheerios presented Emeka with a check for $100,000 to continue his work in the community.

Emeka thought he was visiting Ellen's studio to film a piece for "Ellentube," when he was surprised to meet the host - and her audience: