Wheelchair Football American-Style, Take II

Last year we first blogged about the American-version of wheelchair football, and it’s been growing in popularity. There have been several new videos made on this sport over the last year too, and we’d love to share them.

Your NFL team may not have a chance this year, but wheelchair football could definitely use your support. For a look at an adapted sport that allows both manual and powerchairs on the field, read on for the latest videos from the hut-hut world of wheelchair football, and don’t forget your helmet.

Video #1: Toledo Crash Wheelchair Football Team Profiled by NBC

Recently, NBC 24 in Toledo, Ohio profiled their hometown wheelchair football team, the Toledo Crash, and they did a great job of showing why the sport rules. In case you didn’t know, it’s because it’s one of the rare adapted sports that allows both manual and power wheelchairs.

When it’s played indoors, it’s played on a basketball court (outdoors it’s played on any available field). Able-bodied players are allowed too; another rare trait of an adapted sport, but they must use a wheelchair. The video shows both types of players and they answer the question, “Why you like wheelchair football?”

Watch: “Ready to Play? Crashing wheelchairs and clashing football skills”

Video #2: Top UK Wheelchair Fencer Tries Wheelchair Football

Adrian Derbyshire, Britain’s best wheelchair fencer, has only been disabled since 2008 (after suffering a brain hemorrhage caused by a benign brain tumor). He may not have a spinal cord injury, but his mobility is impaired by paralysis, which means he knows the life of a wheelchair-user all too well.

In his video of him and a few mates, they give American wheelchair football a try, and boy do they make it look good. Not only do they have the whole huddling thing down pat, the quarterback has an epic arm and the ball is caught expertly in the end-zone. These Brit wheelchair football players could be the next big thing in the sport (watch out America heh).

Watch: Playing The New Wheelchair Sport – American Football

Video #3: Paralyzed Former NFL Player Coaches Football

Sometimes we even want to coach, and Eric, a high school football coach, hasn’t let his injury stop him from coaching. A paraplegic from a shooting 24 years ago, he uses a Lifestand Helium standing manual wheelchair to make coaching easier for everything from showing plays on the whiteboard in the locker room to coaching on the sidelines.

The video shows him in all areas of coaching and how his standing wheelchair helps him do a better job overall. A former NFL football player himself, it’s very cool seeing someone of this stature in this position.

Watch: Helium Stand-Up Wheelchair: Football Coach E

It may not be your cup of tea, but wheelchair football cannot be denied as one of the most thrilling adapted sports to come around in the last 10 years. When quads and paras can play together, that makes us supremely happy, and it’s even better when it comes in the form of one of America’s most beloved sports.

What do you love about wheelchair football?

Watch the videos!

– “Crashing wheelchairs and clashing football skills” NBC 24 profiles the Toledo Crash

– Playing The New Wheelchair Sport – American Football

– Helium Stand-Up Wheelchair: Football Coach E

– BONUS VIDEO: Wheelchair Football Practice 9/11/2014