PATRIC YOUNG CHOOSES JOY

How his faith is overcoming his circumstances

By Brian Lunsford

Kristin and I met Patric Young for the first time in advance of an upcoming Jacksonville Real Producers event with Patric as the guest speaker. From the moment he arrived at the Five Points-Riverside area restaurant for lunch that day in late March 2023, his bright smile and infectious positive attitude was apparent. So was his large body and huge arms. During

“Former UF Gators Star Patric Young Paralyzed After Rollover Crash”

“ESPN SEC Network Analyst Reportedly Hospitalized Following Scary Car Accident”

A Strong Faith Rooted in God and Family

During that initial discussion Kristin and I had with Patric, he explained how important his faith in God is to his recovery and how the accountability of his wife Whitney keeps him on track. Grand plans of a large wedding in Omaha had been scheduled for last summer, but after the accident they took their vows in the hospital shortly after the crash. The love he has for his wife is so obvious and clear when he was talking

Patric also shared how much his mom, dad, family members, and friends have supported him throughout

Just four days after the crash that changed his life,

He joyfully told us glowing stories about his parents and growing up here locally in Jacksonville. Patric said he loves the vibe of this town and looks forward to its exciting future with all of the planned developments.

Providence School to Gator Nation to Professional Basketball

I asked him when he knew he could go to the big-time college level in basketball and he said by 10th grade scouts were watching him closely. Two years later, he was a Florida Gator under then-head coach, Billy Donovan (now head coach of the Chicago Bulls). He recalled the whole recruitment process and while it was flattering, he said he was still just a kid and wanted to make a decision quickly about college. Patric and Coach Donovan hit it off and the rest is history.

Patric starred at the University of Florida (2010-2014), played in the Final Four with the Gators and racked up many awards on and off the court, including SEC Defensive Player of the Year in 2014 and was the first three-time winner of the SEC Scholar Athlete of the Year honor, earning the recognition in 2012, 2013 and 2014.

He played high school basketball locally at Providence School in Jacksonville and after his decorated college career in Gainesville, he went on to play professionally overseas until 2020.

The Gator great half-grinned and said he wishes he’d pushed himself as a player as hard as he does now during rehab and he might’ve made it in the NBA. But to be fair, Patric had to deal with multiple bas

“Don’t take any moment or day for granted! I will strive to keep you guys updated. I am so thankful to have a mom that has been an ICU nurse for over 25 years and my sister that has been a PT for 7. My dad is my biggest supporter in my life. He was devastated by the news of my accident. I couldn’t ask for a better father, I hope to be half the man he is one day.”

Phoenix Suns, plus more than a half decade-long career overseas playing pro ball.

Patric told FloridaGators.com: “I know there was untapped potential that I left behind with basketball. I will not leave this life without being able to say I did everything in my power to try and walk again.”

Dream Job: College Basketball TV Analyst

In September 2021, Patric was hired by ESPN to become a studio host for the SEC Network’s college basketball coverage. The telecommunications major was beyond thrilled with this news. He tweeted at the time:

“First of all God is GOOD! I thank God for everyday I am allowed to open my eyes and walk this earth. It is my pleasure to announce that I have been hired by the SEC network as a college basketball studio host.”

Despite his accident shortly after getting his dream job, Patric is still a rising star in sports television and is a studio host for the SEC Network and can also be heard on SiriusXM, as well as on local sports talk radio.

Patric

Legacy Is Only Just

-BRIAN LUNSFORD

The Future Is Now: Patric Young Foundation

In addition to currently writing his first book, Patric recently started a foundation with this mission:

We “show up” for those who are lost in the darkness of their circumstance - illuminating the path to overcome their unique challenges - providing funding and resources that lead to living life without limitations.

“The chair is not the solution.”

Patric will host a private event on the one-year anniversary of his life-altering accident, celebrating the founding of the Patric Young Foundation and “living out its call to greatness”.

Then on July 1st, the foundation will host its first public event–an ultimate obstacle race by Hildervat. Designed specifically for the Patric Young Foundation, it will be an inclusive course that will push able-bodied and adaptive athletes to take on the obstacles together.

For more information about the Patric Young Foundation, please visit: py4foundation.org.

It has been such a blessing to get to know Patric and witness him continue to spread joy, despite his current circumstances.