Aliquippa High School football star talks recovery after shooting

ALIQUIPPA, Pa. — A high school football star, who was injured when he was shot in the back in May, is holding on to hope that he can play football again.

Antonyo Anderson, 16, was shot near his home along Superior Avenue on May 25.

He says football means everything to him, but he’s worried he may never play again.

“It means the world because I always wanted to go to college, and I was starting to get looked at, and it hurt to get shot,” he said. from his hospital bed at UPMC Mercy Hospital.

Anderson is a wide receiver and cornerback for Aliquippa High School. He was shot while driving outside Valley Terrace apartments before he lost control of the car and crashed into an embankment. He had to have surgery and couldn’t feel his legs.

“I was just worried about my legs, and I couldn’t move them, just thinking of football, playing again,” he said.

Anderson’s dream is to play football in college – and he hopes it’s still possible.

“I don’t want to do anything else but play football and go to the higher level,” he said.

Everyday he’s fighting to get back on his feet. He says he’s getting better and stronger, going to rehab but using a walker and brace to get around. Right now the Aliquippa football program is raising money to help pay for his additional rehab and other related costs.

“Its good to have all the support I appreciate it a lot,” he said.

16-year-old shot in back while driving in Aliquippa

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