Kevin Everett attended Thomas Jefferson High School in Port Arthur, Texas, where he was a three-year letterman in football. As a senior, he earned Class 5A All-State honors in 2000, establishing himself as one of the top high school tight ends in the state.

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After graduation, Everett attended Kilgore College in Kilgore, Texas, for two years, where he became a two-time first-team All-Southwest Junior College Football Conference selection and was regarded among the top junior college players in the nation. He later transferred to the University of Miami, where he played for the Hurricanes until 2005. That same year, he was selected 86th overall in the third round of the 2005 NFL Draft by the Buffalo Bills.

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Everett’s professional career got off to a challenging start when he missed his rookie season after suffering a torn ACL during training camp. He made his first career start on September 10, 2006, and recorded his first NFL reception on October 1 of that same year.

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One week into the 2007 NFL season, on September 9, 2007, Everett suffered a life-threatening cervical spine injury while tackling Denver Broncos returner Domenik Hixon during a kickoff. Doctors initially feared he might never walk again, but Everett defied all expectations. After months of intensive rehabilitation, he regained movement and walked publicly onto the field at Ralph Wilson Stadium on December 23, 2007, for the Bills’ final home game of the season—a moment that inspired millions across the country.

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In recognition of his courage and perseverance, Everett received the Jimmy V Award for Perseverance at the 2008 ESPY Awards. He later founded the Kevin Everett Foundation, dedicated to supporting individuals and families affected by spinal cord injuries.

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Today, Everett resides in the Houston area, where he continues to inspire others as a motivational speaker and advocate for spinal injury awareness and recovery.