SCI Superstar: Damon Rozier

“Laughter is the key to life” is a quote Damon Rozier, who was a C7 quadriplegic and standup comedian, lived by. After his spinal cord injury, he was filled with anger and frustration but he worked hard to not let those emotions take over, and he was on the winning end of the stick. Also a single-dad and aerobics instructor, Damon was truly non-stop.

After his injury, he did  comedy work with BET, motivational speaking and competed in several adapted sports, from quad rugby to wheelchair racing. Damon was driven to show others anything is possible.

Energetic, funny, positive – there was not one negative adjective you can use to describe this unforgettable man. Read on to learn more about Damon Rozier, who was one of the funniest wheelchair comedians in the world.

Why He Was fearless

Born and raised in Brownsville, Brooklyn, New York, Damon grew up in a part of the city where street smarts were paramount. He was even incarcerated for a short while. At the age of 31 however, nearly 17 years ago, his entire perspective changed when he was in a motorcycle accident. Sideswiped by a vehicle and thrown into the air with his motorcycle landing on him, his neck was broken in two places, and thus began Damon’s life as a C7 quadriplegic.

Not blessed with a family that could pay for everything he needed, Damon had to figure out how to bring in an income right away; he had a new baby son and another on the way. So he did what came naturally to him to deal with the new stresses in his life – comedy, and make jokes did he ever. Damon began his comedy career in 2003; 5 years after his accident and chock full of crazy experiences to make fun of; and he hit the ground running (pun intended).

Some of his first big gigs were at the major comedy clubs in NYC – the Improv, the Laugh Factory, Caroline’s and Stand Up NYC – renowned clubs where all of the best comedians performed. His shtick definitely made and still makes people double-over laughing – from alcoholics in denial to wheelchair lap dances. He also worked on BET’s Comedy After Dark as a writer.

Adapted sports were another hobby Damon has dedicated his life to post-injury. He tried the available athletic pursuits to him before trying comedy, and quad rugby was the first adapted sport he tried out. He fell in love with it and quickly proved he was destined to be one of the best quad rugby players anywhere, and the best in NYC.

He was even in the documentary Murderball , where his awesome blocking skills were highlighted. Wheelchair softball and wheelchair racing are other sports he delved into too. Damon competed in the NYC Marathon 10 times before retiring; a personal challenge to himself (he wanted to quit while he was ahead to preserve his shoulders).

What Happened Next?

In 2010, Damon also had the opportunity to have his book, his life story really, published. Titled, Surviving the Game of Life, his book is a autobiography, and it gets down to the nitty gritty. He opens up about beating his addiction to street life and drugs, being in jail, becoming a father to two children and becoming wheelchair-user, and eventually a comic.

He was also busy in the NYC comedy scene for many years. He was the host of Stress Free Wednesday Comedy 2night at Essence Bar & Lounge, one of his longest gigs, and did stand-up at many clubs in Brooklyn, and NYC. Sadly, shortly after turning 50, Damon passed away due to complications relation to his spinal cord injury. We are glad the world got a taste of this amazing man’s wit and charm. He showed the world no injury could take away a man’s funny bone.

What is your favorite memory of Damon?

– His book: Surviving the Game of Life

– His Facebook page

– Watch his standup