Auburn running back Brian Battie walking again after May shooting, family says
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Auburn running back Brian Battie is walking with a cane — a significant milestone in his recovery from a May shooting that left him critically injured.
“I am overjoyed to share an inspiring moment in Brian’s journey,” his family wrote in an update on his GoFundMe page. “After facing the immense challenge of rehabbing after his type of brain injury, without knowing if Brian would walk again, he has achieved something incredible, Brian took his first steps with a cane! Brian told us weeks ago that he would be on his feet by my birthday and he was taking steps with a cane by Tuesday! He believed he could and he DID!”
Battie sustained a gunshot wound to the head in late May and spent weeks in the intensive care unit at Sarasota Memorial Hospital in Florida afterward. He moved to the intensive rehabilitation facility at the hospital in late June, where he continued to make progress.
Darryl Bernard Brookins Jr. was arrested as a suspect shortly after and was charged with murder, attempted murder, and as a felon in possession of a firearm, per the Montgomery Advertiser. The shooting also claimed the life of Tommie Battie IV, Brian’s older brother,
Auburn head coach Hugh Freeze speaks with Battie’s family regularly, getting updates on the tailback’s progress. Initially, there was concern Battie would suffer permanent paralysis as a result of his injuries, but he has made strong progress following brain surgery.
A senior from Sarasota, Battie began his career at USF before transferring to Auburn ahead of the 2023 season. Battie carried the ball 51 times for 227 yards for the Tigers in his debut season while backing up Jarquez Hunter and Damari Alston.
At USF, Battie was a 1,000-yard rusher in 2022. In 2021, he was a consensus first-team All-American kick returner after he led college football with three kickoffs returned for touchdowns. Battie was Auburn’s primary kick returner last season, averaging 23 yards per return.
The family has raised more than $100,000 dollars on its GoFundMe, which is still taking donations. You can see the full update from the family below:
I am overjoyed to share an inspiring moment in Brian’s journey. After facing the immense challenge of rehabbing after his type of brain injury, without knowing if Brian would walk again, he has achieved something incredible, Brian took his first steps with a cane!!!! Brian told us weeks ago that he would be on his feet by my birthday and he was taking steps with a cane by Tuesday! He believed he could and he DID!
Witnessing this milestone filled our heart with indescribable happiness and pride. It’s a testament to Brian’s unwavering strength, resilience, and determination. This road hasn’t been easy, but with each small step forward, he has shown us the power of perseverance and courage.
I want to express my deepest gratitude to everyone at Sarasota Memorial who has been a part of his care and recovery journey. Dr. Bajorek is AMAZING, we are grateful that Brian was placed under his care in the Intensive Rehab Facility. Dr. Fine, the brain Surgeon who did Brians brain surgery, came to visit Brian yesterday. He sat and talked to Brian and answered some great questions Brian had. Brian was in complete awe when he left and thrilled that he was able to meet the man who saved his life. Dr. Fine confirmed that he also believed that God had the final say when the outcome did not seem promising. He did as God instructed him to do and was so happy to to see the miracles of his work in all Brian’s progress.
The ICU team made a special visit this week and continue to touch our hearts each time they show care and concern beyond all they did for Brian in ICU. Words do not seem enough to express my gratitude to Sarasota Memorial for the incredible care and support they provide to our son during his time in the ER to ICU, Trauma step down and now the intensive rehabilitation facility.
The progress Brian has made under SMH’s care has been nothing short of remarkable. The expertise, patience, and genuine compassion have been instrumental in Brian’s recovery journey. Watching him achieve milestones and regain strength has been a testament to their dedication and skills as Dr’s, nurses and therapist. The therapists ability to connect with him on a personal level and tailor his therapy sessions to his specific needs has made all the difference. Their knowledge, positivity and unwavering belief in his potential have been a source of hope for our family during what has been an extremely challenging time.
We are beyond thankful for the Dr.’s, medical team, therapists, and all our loved ones who have supported us every step of the way. Your expertise, encouragement, and unwavering belief in his potential have been invaluable.
To Brian: your bravery and determination continue to inspire us all. This week marks not just a physical achievement but a reminder of the boundless possibilities that lie ahead. We celebrate this milestone with hearts full of hope and gratitude for every step forward!!!
Here’s to many more victories and milestones on this journey of healing and growth. Together, we are stronger than any challenge life may bring. Ultimately, God holds the final say in Brian’s medical and physical prognosis.
#BattieStrong
Derek Peterson does a bit of everything, not unlike Taysom Hill. He has covered Oklahoma, Nebraska, the Pac-12, and now delivers CFB-wide content.
