Former Duke QB Anthony Boone Reflects on Life-Changing Car Accident
By Chris Brown
Former Blue Devil Anthony Boone is still recovering from injuries after a horrific car wreck, but is staying positive after the accident.
Earlier this summer, former Duke quarterback Anthony Boone was involved in a head-on collision with with Carolina Panthers linebacker Shaq Thompson. The accident left Boone hospitalized for several months with hand, rib, and hip injuries, but the former Blue Devil is staying positive throughout the process.
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“I wish he made a better decision, but at the end of the day I’m alive, he’s alive and that’s all I can be thankful for. There’s obviously a hidden blessing within this whole situation.”
Anthony Boone recently opened up to WRAL in an inspiring piece about the accident, and cites several things that have helped him in the aftermath including visits from former Duke offensive coordinator Kurt Roper and former Duke tight end and friend since middle school Braxton Deaver, who visited him often in the hospital in Charlotte, and the birth of his daughter in July. Boone is a strong believer that everything happens for a reason, and hopes everyone learns from the accident.
Boone also notes that there is no bad blood between him and Thompson, saying “Freak accidents happen, and that’s just what life deals sometimes… I wish he made a better decision, but at the end of the day I’m alive, he’s alive and that’s all I can be thankful for. There’s obviously a hidden blessing within this whole situation.”
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Anthony Boone starred with the Blue Devils and is the winningest quarterback in Duke Football history with a 19-6 record as a starter. He compiled a total of 5,789 passing yards for 38 touchdowns and 800 rushing yards for 16 TDs. The dual-threat quarterback also helped lead Duke to the 2013 ACC Coastal Division title and two postseason appearances in the 2013 Chick-fil-a Bowl and the 2014 Hyundai Sun Bowl.
After college, Boone signed a training camp deal with the Detroit Lions after going undrafted and also spent time in the Canadian Football League with the Montreal Alouettes. He was most recently working for QB Country in Charlotte as a trainer.
Despite the serious injuries that are still painful for the former Duke quarterback, Boone is still hopeful that one day he will be able to play football again: ““I’m still young, so I’m still wanting to play. I feel like my body is taking everything pretty well.” Be sure to check out the entire feature on Anthony Boone here and we wish him the best during his recovery and rehab.