Published: May 13, 2008 10:13 pm            

BILLS: Everett eligible for disability pay after release

The Buffalo Bills officially released Kevin Everett on Tuesday, clearing the way for the former tight end to receive disability benefits for the spinal cord injury that ended his career.

Everett was initially paralyzed from the neck down after a violent collision with then Denver receiver Domenik Hixon on a kickoff return in last year’s season opener. Doctors doubted Everett’s chances to ever walk again, and even feared for his life. But the Texas native has since made a well-documented recovery that has seen him regain many motor skills, including the ability to walk without assistance.

“The Buffalo Bills continue to be moved by Kevin Everett’s heartwarming story of his recovery,” the team said in a statement released Tuesday morning. “His progress from September 9 of last year through today is nothing short of a miracle, and is a tremendous example of faith, family and hard work.”

Everett will now be able to apply for long-term disability benefits as well as a one-time payment under the player health reimbursement plan. He would not have been eligible for the programs if he stayed on the Bills active roster.

“We had numerous discussions with the league in dealing with this process to assist him in the best way possible,” the statement continued. “Kevin will always remain a Buffalo Bill in the same way that Jim Kelly, Thurman Thomas and so many others before him are held in the highest regard by our franchise.”

Everett, originally selected by the Bills in the third round of the 2005 draft, is also eligible for full pension benefits since he has three credited seasons.

Joining Everett on the waived/failed physical list is WR Chris Denney, who sustained a knee injury while playing in NFL Europa last season. Denney was an undrafted free agent signed by the Bills in 2006.

        

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