Devon Gales’ love for football emerged at an early age — his father, Donny, played college football at Southern University of Baton Rouge. Devon, who hails from the Louisiana city, took to the field at the age of 5 and went on to play football in high school. When his senior year came, and he had yet to receive any offers to continue playing football at the college level, Devon became discouraged. Central High School’s athletic director, Sid Edwards, knew Devon was small in stature but strong in heart and he advocated for Devon in a meeting with the head coach at Southern University and A&M College. That meeting resulted in Devon becoming a walk-on for the Jags.

​

Devon’s college football career came to a halt in fall 2015 when tragedy struck on the field during a game against the University of Georgia Bulldogs in Athens — Devon collided with Georgia’s kicker on a kick return and was paralyzed. Treatment for his injuries brought Devon to Georgia. Now residing in Jefferson, which is about a 30-minute drive from UGA’s campus, Devon is a PE paraprofessional and a mentor with Legacy Youth. Devon’s connection to his former football rivals, the Dawgs, has grown stronger — he attends the University of Georgia with plans to graduate in spring 2025.

 

In his free time, Devon enjoys spending time with loved ones. Devon is part of a blended family. With his father, Donny and his step-mother, Tish, Devon has one sister, Teah, and a brother, Dalen. With his mother, Amy, Devon has a sister, Brittany, and one brother, Zion.