The Eight-Minute Flight Story
In the middle of the second half, I lined up at running back, got the ball on a sweep, and ran the football. As soon as I was hit from behind, I fumbled the ball. My mom saw my right arm drop oddly, almost in slow motion.“There’s groups of coaches everywhere, so we’re all kind of flying around, and stuff is happening,” remembers Michael Karel, a physician assistant who also was a coach. “Derek... it was weird. He fumbled the ball, which he doesn’t do. I mean, he was never known to fumble the ball. Something was going on.”
A teammate recovered the ball, so I got up and headed to the huddle, but the coaches called time out and sent me to the sideline. They could tell something was wrong. Coach Karel sat me on the bench and looked me in the eyes.
“What’s going on, Derek? Are you hurt? Did you get hit in the head?" “Nah, I didn’t get hit, but my hair hurts.” Then Coach started asking me questions. “What’s today’s date?” “September 6, 2008,” I answered. “What’s the score of the game?” “14-0.” “Can you tell me your brothers’ names?” “Corbin. Connor. Trevor. Brenden.”
Every answer was correct. He asked me again if my head or neck hurt.The only thing that hurt at that time was my hair. Minutes later, they told me I stood up and screamed, “My head!” pulled off my helmet and collapsed into Coach Karel’s arms.
About the Author
Derek Ruth
I was twelve years old, playing in a youth football game, when I suffered a traumatic brain injury. I am now twenty-nine years old, a college graduate, and living my life to the fullest. Up until that day, my life revolved around sports. I was the boy who strived for excellence. I was competitive. I did well in school and sports and was well-liked by my peers. I took on every leadership opportunity to set myself apart from the rest. I held you to a high standard if you were on the field or on the court. I wanted the best for every kid out there. I wanted to be a leader who set an example and never settled for less.
In addition to my athletic and leadership passions, I was passionate about my Catholic faith from a young age. Actively practicing my faith was my number one priority; I had already
been significantly blessed in many aspects of my life by Jesus.
On September 6, 2008, my life changed during that youth football game. I was not expected to survive the traumatic brain injury. I endured two major life-saving brain surgeries. The injury caused me to lose the significant functions of my body, including many of the little things that we take for granted. I have fought through many trials and tribulations to get back to where I am today, and it has not been easy.
The competitiveness and optimism I practiced from a young age have compelled me to finish college, travel, and live independently. My ultimate motivation and inspiration come from numerous divine appearances from Jesus, the Blessed Virgin Mary, and Mother Teresa. Throughout my life, I have learned many important and valuable lessons. I have realized that anything can happen at any given moment in time. You never know what tomorrow will bring or if you will even get a tomorrow, so take every breath God gives you for what it's worth!
The Power of Faith
Discover the transformative power of what one moment can do in someone's life.
A LIFE WELL LIVED
7th Grade Football
7th Grade Football
7th Grade Football
My final game, me running the ball.
Capharnaum
7th Grade Football
7th Grade Football
My mom and I during our trip to the Holy Land.
UNL Graduation
7th Grade Football
UNL Graduation
December 21, 2019 my graduation from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln.
Endorsements
"I believe most of us, at one time or another, take ourselves and our abilities for granted. Watching Derek physiologically learn and move, despite his imperception, inattention, neglect, agnosia, and neurologic alienation, as a result of a traumatic brain injury, has had a tremendous axiomatic impact on me. Anyone who worked with Derek and experienced his paradoxes, witnessed scientific defiance through his organic, evolving, human spirit and strength, that made us all more mindful of the importance of being 'self-willed'. His dedication to himself, his belief in his family, his revelation in his faith, and his inquisitive self-nature resonates throughout this book of ongoing passion and persistence".
Ron Hruska PT, MPA
Postural Restoration Institute, Founder
"Derek Ruth led a normal childhood until experiencing a critical brain injury on the football field at age 12. His journey since the injury is a remarkable account of determination, effort, spiritual revelation, and support of family, friends, and the medical community. His story will inspire the reader to realize what the human spirit is capable of".
Tom Osborne
College Football Hall of Fame Coach at The University of Nebraska from 1973 -1997
"I first met Derek Ruth in 2013, shortly after being appointed the Catholic Bishop of Lincoln. Getting to know Derek as a friend and hearing his remarkable story of faith, courage, trust, resilience, and acceptance has profoundly moved me as a bishop. Derek's deep Catholic faith, nurtured by devout parents, continues to inform his life, providing him with a firm foundation for his hope, purpose, and motivation to move forward in life day after day. Through hard work, discipline, and perseverance, and with the heart of a true athlete, Derek continues to provide true hope for all of us, particularly as he describes in vivid language the long and enduring road of rehabilitation".
James D. Conley
Bishop of Lincoln
"With one play—just a twist of fate—he received a traumatic brain injury. In that instant, the trajectory of Derek’s life changed".
The Eight-Minute Flight
