FROM TRAGEDY TO TRIUMPH
My Story
On Oct. 8, 1988, Jennings, then a junior at Simeon High School, suffered a broken neck on the opening kickoff of a game against Corliss. The collision left him a quadriplegic. He faced a future unable to move anything from the neck down. And it wasn’t supposed to be a long future. At the time, doctors gave him only 10 years to live.
The Rebirth
“People say, ‘How can you celebrate a tragedy?’ ” Jennings said. “I say I was reborn on that day. Everything I had was taken away from me. I was like a newborn. I had to relearn everything. How to talk. How to breathe on my own. A new way of life. Every year that I’m still here, (the re-birthday) is a way of thinking that God gave my life back to me. How do you not celebrate a gift?”
Our Mission
Gridiron Alliance mission statement
We promote awareness and prevention of catastrophic injuries to high school student athletes. We are advocates and share "best practice" resources
HISTORY MAKER
ADVOCATING FOR ALL HIGH SCHOOL PLAYERS
Kenneth Jennings speaks to the Illinois Sate Legislators about the importance of protecting high schools players who suffered catastrophic injuries while playing team and individual sports
IL. GOV. QUINN SIGNS ROCKY'S LAW
Kenneth Jennings sits next to Illinois Governor Quinn as he passes “Rocky’s Law” requiring all school districts to provide catastrophic accident insurance for school athletes injured while playing high school sports.
KENNETH JENNINGS, IL. GOVERNOR PAT QUIN, SCOTT ASHER OF GRID IRON ALLIANCE
For years, Kenneth Jennings has fought for injured high school sports players — standing up for students and families when they need strength the most. He believes no young athlete
A DREAM COME TRUE
MY FOOTBALL HERO NFL SUPER BOWL CHAMPION RICHARD DENT
In 1988, members of the 1985 Super Bowl champion Chicago Bears visited Kenneth Jennings while he was recovering from a football injury. During that time, he formed a close friendship with Richard Dent, a proud supporter of the Grid Iron Alliance Foundation.
Giving Back To Shirley Ryan AbilityLab
MENTOR'S PICNIC
Shirley Ryan said thank thank you to all of those who give back to their patients.
MENTORSHIP
This is full circle. Just as I have had mentors, I am not that mentor visiting those future mentors in the same place where I started my recovery journey.
MINISTERING
LIFE CENTER GROUP
If God blessed me to have a second chance at life after my injury, he can do the same
LIFE CENTER GROUP
LIFE CENTER GROUP
It takes a whole team to get the job done. Our motto is ALL HANDS ON DECK.
THE JOURNEY TO GIVING BACK
NORTHWESTERN UNIVERSITY MEDICAL SCHOOL
Grid Iron Alliance visits Northwestern University medical school
NORTHWESTERN UNIVERSDITY MEDICAL SCHOOL
Kenneth Jennings represents Grid Iron Alliance as he speaks to medical students at Northwestern University Medical School.
GRID IRON ALLIANCE GIVES BACK TO THE YOUTH
EVERY SCHOOL, EVERY CHILD
Every child nedes a word of encouragement. They need to know that despite the obstacles they are faced with, that they can make it.