Time-capsule: U of M football's Elliott Mealer (2009-2012) and his brother Brock's story of adversity
Seeing as this is the offseason I wanted to give a throwback to (recent?) days of U of M past - The saga of brothers Elliott (U of M offensive lineman, 2009-2012) and Brock Mealer.
For those who don't know the brothers' father David and Elliott Mealer's girlfriend were killed in a traffic accident, and Elliott's brother Brock Mealer was left paralyzed by the accident. Brock made an amazing recovery with the help of others (which included the help of U of M athletic staff). At the Sept. 4, 2010 football game vs. Connecticut, aided by two canes, Brock walked the Wolverines out of the tunnel and "touched the banner." After the accident Brock had been told he had a 1% chance of walking again.
The Youtube video (or anywhere else you can get the E:60 episode) is worth watching however you can. One viewing or otherwise.
I had the honor of being at the game where Brock Mealer walked across the field and "touched the banner." It was extremely emotional, and one of the top 10 of my personal Michigan experiences. As corny as it may sound it represents one of the many stories of the "Michigan Difference" to me.
This goes out to the brothers and their incredible fearlessness, fortitude, and endurance.
R.I.P. David Mealer and Hollis Richer
-"E:60 - Miracle" - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PmuSIpmhtZw
-Brock Mealer leading the U of M team out of the tunnel [fan video] - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dEURTV4i9to
That was a long time ago. Thanks for that reminder. Kind of forgotten but nice to remember
Was at the game. Great moment. Still have the t-shirt that says 1% and “all glory to God”. One of the best things rich rod ever did, too, letting his S & C guy do so much to help.
Who’s cutting onions?
If you don't mind my asking, do you have any plans for attending U of M football games this year (particularly with friends and family)?
My father has expressed interest in attending a U of M football game this coming season. Due to a few reasons it's been a few years since we've been able to attend. We're both huge U of M fans and I'm excited to finally get the chance to have the experience again.
i hope to make it m-a-y-b-e to the ohio game, depending on the games of the 3 middle sons, especially the one in college.
do you have any game(s) picked out? what state would you be coming from to attend?
We really haven't discussed which game yet. We live in SW Michigan. Given that all the games were available to us (cost, our schedules, etc.) it would hands down have to be OSU.
soli Deo gloria
preach it, brother.
I was at the game, felt like there wasn't a dry eye in the whole stadium. An amazing testament to modern science and the power of human will. Thanks for the walk down memory lane.
Was a great moment I was proud to be able to attend. One of those moments that shows how sports can go well beyond just being a game.
Scary how time flies.
Literally seems like yesterday.
I wouldn't say it feels like yesterday, but to think that it was thirteen years ago ... whoa.
Elliot is from Wauseon, OH - a small farming town near where I grew up. Him getting recruited to Michigan was the regional story for damn near a month.
Cool player, better person.
I found a field pass on the ground outside of the tunnel for this game, gave my girlfriend our two tickets and headed onto the field. Was amazing to be down there to see this take place. A great memory
Can you show me where to find Super Bowl tickets on the ground? Good for you; that’s about as great as something you could ever find in the figurative trash.
The greatest pre-game moment ever.
I remember Mike Barwis being instrumental in his rehabilitation.Met Barwis at camp I was working and my son was attending in the weight room and he was so engaging and personable.Did not try to big dog us.
Peak Barwis.
I met Brock a few years ago at a wedding in Tucson. He was a super nice guy with a good attitude. I asked him about Barwis and he said that while he was a great help in his early rehabilitation, there was another trainer/physical therapist who was much more instrumental to his recovery.