Teen walks for first time in more than year after suffering huge setback

Issaic Allard, 17, takes his first steps with his team

SOUTHGATE, Mich. – The Southgate Anderson Titans were pumped for homecoming Friday, but the game was truly a homecoming for No. 99.

Issaic Allard gave hugs and high fives. It was Allard's first time back on the gridiron after suffering a huge setback last year.

"'Your son has a severe bleed in his brain.' Time stopped. The world just stopped moving," said Allard's mother, Colleen Allard.

Despite a brain aneurysm, which left Issaic Allard in the hospital for months with partial paralysis and the inability to speak, the 17-year-old never gave up.

He's also determined. On this night, Issaic was back in his uniform, ready to leave his wheelchair behind and take his first steps with his team.

It's a slow process, but like the months of therapy, Issaic proved he has what it takes. He stood at attention proudly as the marching band played the national anthem.

"I knew he'd get to this point because that's the type of kid he is," head coach Mitch Dobek said. "It was emotional to see that, because he fought his way back to do what he wanted to do."

Issaic admits getting to this moment was tough.

"Whenever therapy gets tough, I think, 'Did I ever quit on the football field?' No, I got it together and kicked some butt," Issaic Allard said.

Judging from the countless hugs, one kid's willpower has inspired an entire community.