GEORGIA, USA — A rising Georgia star linebacker at Archer High School, who collapsed after a varsity football game last month, had a special surprise while at the hospital.
Former Atlanta Falcons fullback Ovie Mughelli paid Oheneba “O.J.” Appiah, 17, a visit during a special surprise party on Thursday. The former Pro-Bowler Mughelli gave O.J. a signed jersey and photo from his professional football days and shared advice, according to Wellstar.
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Appiah collapsed moments after shaking hands with the opposing team following the Archer Tigers’ victory.
“After the game, he said he was dizzy, and that’s when he passed out,” his mom, Elizabeth Appiah, told Wellstar Health System.
O.J. was rushed to Wellstar Kennestone Hospital in Marietta, where doctors performed emergency surgery to relieve severe swelling by removing part of his skull. It marks Appiah’s second head injury this season; he previously suffered a concussion.
Although O.J.'s football career has ended, doctors were still impressed with his "miraculous recovery." Dr. Phillip Parry, a Wellstar neurosurgeon, remembered the moments when O.J. was in critical condition.
“I met O.J. on the worst day of his life. He had a life-threatening bleed inside his head, and we took him to surgery immediately," Dr. Parry said. “His miraculous recovery is a testament to the care he received and an inspiration to us all to continue doing what we do every day."
His mother stated she was grateful that the doctors were able to help in his recovery.
“We are so grateful to God,” Elizabeth Appiah told Wellstar. “The team here is great, and the nurses are amazing.”
On Thursday, Mughelli encouraged OJ to seek help as he faced this difficult moment in his life.
"You had a hard situation happen to you, but you can do hard things,” said Mughelli to OJ.
O.J. and Mughelli continued to discuss hard work and the importance of school. Mughelli even invited O.J. to attend a Falcons game next season.
He was transferred to another facility where he receives more care.