Individuals are found everywhere you look on the football field, but junior Jason Yow is one unique player, who has experienced events that others will never encounter. He was born without his right arm, but learned how to live without it, and continues to live with strength and compassion.

“He’s a hard worker and never gives up,” said Jason’s father, Ronnie Yow, who has seen his son go through many bumpy times. “I don’t know too many people who could go through what he has and come out the way he did.”

In August 1997, Yow was in a severe motorcycle accident. Then four months later, Yow’s car was hit by a drunk driver. Yow suffered severe head injuries that left him in a coma for two weeks.

Doctors presumed that Yow was going to die, but he started to show improvements. When he returned home, he started taking speech and physical therapy.

“Jason never complained,” said Ronnie Yow.

Yow realized that he had a lot to overcome, but the two accidents gave him a new outlook on life.

“After two car wrecks, I saw the light and I gave myself to the Lord and I am blessed to be here,” said Yow. “I couldn’t ask for more.”

Yow, who recently transferred from North Carolina Agricultural and Technical University, is now a kicker for the Quakers’ football squad.

“Football takes away from my pain,” said Yow. “I can get hurt, but it feels good to play.”
Yow and his fellow football players work hard together, which makes them a very close knit team, like brothers.

“We are like a rubber band around a knot of money,” said Yow.

Michael Vite, assistant head coach and defensive coordinator, has a large chain next to a couple of chairs near his desk. Each link represents a member of the team.

“Jason is the type of kid you want in your program,” said Vite. “I think he has the attitude that he will never quit, and this type of attitude will help him succeed.”

Yow has been naturally competitive and active, with a deep passion for athletics, since he was young. He started little league when he was eight years old and had his black belt in Taekwondo by age 12. His competitive streak has landed him with other interests, including car racing, horseback riding, and bull riding.

“It is in my blood,” said Yow. “God gave me good talent and good athletic gifts.”

As a sports management major, Yow hopes to work in the football profession after graduating. Yow feels his future is strong and he enters every new challenge with an outlook to overcome it.

Yow welcomed a baby girl, Isabelle Kay Yow, into his family this past summer. She was named after his aunt Kay and, for him, his daughter is his life.

Nancy Yow, Jason’s mother is inspired by her son and said, “He has made me learn how to laugh in life.”

Yow has not let having one arm make him think less of himself.

“I wonder if I look uneven or unbalanced,” said Yow. “In my heart and mind, I am more balanced than ever. (Missing an arm) is not a factor in my life; it is just the cards I was dealt.”