NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell spoke to injured Texans defensive tackle Cedric Killings on Tuesday to offer his support.
As Cedric Killings recovers from the traumatic collision against the Indianapolis Colts on Sunday that caused his C-4 vertebra to fracture, the Texans' defensive tackle is in remarkably good spirits.
"I'm doing well," Killings said Tuesday in a phone interview. "Let everybody know that everything is going well and everything is on the up and up and looking positive."
Support for Killings keeps pouring in from around the country. On Tuesday, NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell called Killings to send him his best.
"(He told me) that everybody is behind you in this and if there is anything you need just let us know and we'll get it done," Killings said of Goodell's words of encouragement. "I'm not sure exactly how long the conversation went on, but we spoke for a little bit of time and he was just really supportive and just behind me and he let me know that."
{QUOTE}Goodell's gesture has left a lasting impression on Killings.
"It kind of lets you know what level this is on," Killings said. "Just to know everybody that's behind me and supportive, and to have the commissioner of the league call me, that's real big and it means a lot."
At first, Killings was taken aback when he heard who was on the phone for him.
"I didn't know what to think," Killings said. "I was like, 'The commissioner?' It's big…It just makes you feel better inside."
Killings has regained movement in his arms and legs, and doctors expect him to be able to walk again. But the recovery process still will be long and arduous.
Nevertheless, Killings remains positive about his situation despite the severity of his injury. He holds no regrets.
"To me, it's part of the deal," he said. "It's a chance you take playing this sport."
Over the past couple of days, members of the Texans organization, including head coach Gary Kubiak, have been flowing into the hospital where Killings is being treated to offer their best in this difficult time.
The support means the world to Killings, who said he's surprised by how much attention he's received.
"Everybody is out there behind me," he said. "Everybody is wishing the best for me. Everybody has got me in their prayers and just really lifting me up. Those are the kinds of things you need in these situations. I'm just very thankful for everything.
"Like I said, it's very warming inside to know how close you really do get playing this sport."
Before he got off the phone, Killings made sure to send a message to all the fans that have been following his injury and sending their best wishes.
"Give thanks back to everybody that's behind me and supportive," Killings said. "My family and everybody really appreciate it.
"Just keep pressing on. Keep looking up. I'm going to take this one day at a time, grow stronger, grow healthier and we'll see how it goes from there."
