WATCH: Kentucky LB Chris Oats walks with assistance
Kentucky linebacker Chris Oats continues to take steps forward in his road to recovery after suffering a stroke in May of 2020.
He stood up with the assistance of his family members for the first time back in March. Now, the Cincinnati native walked with limited assistance on Friday evening.
“I’m YELLING MY SON CHRIS OATS 22 WALKED LAST NIGHT,” Oats’ mother, Kemberly Gamble, wrote on Twitter. “HE TOOK 7 Steps with his arm on my shoulder NO WALKER NO HARNESS JUST ME AND OUR LORD AND SAVIOR NOTHING BUT GOD.”
Gamble shared the complete video shortly after, one showing Oats taking seven steps in his home without a walker or harness. Just Oats and two shoulders to lean on.
Oats came to Kentucky as a four-star recruit out of Winton Woods High School (OH) in the class of 2018. The 6-3 pass-rusher played two seasons with the Wildcats in 2018 and 2019, appearing in 25 games while recording 73 total tackles, 2.0 sacks, two forced fumbles, and two fumble recoveries. Oats sat out the 2020 and 2021 seasons following his medical issue.
Members of the Kentucky football team created a GoFundMe page to help pay for Oats’ mounting medical bills, raising over $180,000 as of July 16.
Oats recently completed therapy in Florida, with Gamble updating her son’s status and progress throughout.
#OatsStrong22
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