Tulane Football Player Moved To Rehab Facility

Tulane University football player Devon Walker, who suffered a spine injury two weeks ago at Chapman Stadium in Tulsa, was moved on Tuesday from St. Francis Hospital to a rehabilitation facility, his parents said.

Statement from Booker and Inez Walker, parents of Tulane senior safety Devon Walker:

"We are pleased to have completed the transfer of Devon to a comprehensive in-patient rehabilitation center to continue his recovery. We want to express our appreciation and gratitude to Mr. Bill Warren and the wonderful doctors and staff of St. Francis Hospital in Tulsa, who provided immediate care for our son. We'll be forever grateful for their devotion to Devon's well-being.

"We will now focus on the next phase of Devon's recovery and ask that all the prayers, well-wishes and support continue with him through his journey. We appreciate everyone's understanding of our request for privacy as we focus on his recovery."

The location of the rehab facility and further medical information will be kept confidential, the family said.

Walker was injured in a helmet-to-helmet collision on the last play of the first half in Tulane's game with the University of Tulsa on Sept. 8. Medical crews attended to him for about 30 minutes as he lay motionless on the field. He was admitted to St. Francis in critical condition.

The following day, Walker had a three-hour surgery to stabilize his spine and reportedly has been on a ventilator since. Doctors have said paralysis is possible, but it is still too soon to tell.

Walker is a former walk-on player who earned a scholarship. He is majoring in cell and molecular biology and has dreams of entering the field of medicine.

9/8/2012 Related Story: Hospital: Tulane Football Player Critical After Injury In Tulsa Game

9/9/2012 Related Story: Tulane Football Player Has 3-Hour Surgery On Spine, School Says