Arizona teen shooting survivor needs new prosthetic to continue playing football

GILBERT, AZ (AZFamily) — A Chandler teenager who survived a shooting more than three years ago is again in need of community support.

In 2021, Everett Watson Jr. and his three brothers were playing basketball at San Tan Park in Chandler when three male suspects, believed to be teenagers, approached them and began shooting.. Everett was shot multiple times and eventually lost his left leg.

Everett is now a proud member of the Perry High School JV football team.

“He as a person is the most selfless person, not even a player, selfless person you will ever meet,” JV head coach Mike Beaudoin said.

Everett plays defensive line, but says football wasn’t always his love as it is now.

“I was never a football fan until the accident because it just helped me relieve stress,” he said.

Everett’s parents, coaches and teammates describe him as tenacious, positive and inspiring. During the last JV game, he made a big tackle on the baseline.

“He had an amazing game,” Marin Golden said.

Immediately after that game, still pumping with adrenaline, Everett walked to the bench.

“He sat on the bench and said: “Coach!” They broke my leg.” And he extends his leg to me,” Beaudoin said.

Watson’s only prosthetic foot broke during that game, and he can’t take the field without it. Due to Everett’s parents’ new jobs, their insurance now also does not cover the cost of a new prosthesis.

“His first reaction to any adversity is to never ask for support or help, he will just work harder,” Golden said.

Known as “Coach Mom,” Golden also has a son on the JV team and has developed a friendship with the Watson family over the past year.

“(Everett) has no idea how much of an impact he had on so many people,” she said.

Golden helped start GoFundMe to raise money to buy Everett a new prosthesis and return to the football field.

There are only two games left in this year’s JV season, and a prosthetic foot can cost thousands of dollars.

“God works through people,” Everett Sr. said. “Yeah, he always says that,” Yolanda added.

Until then, Everett will continue to work, smile and be the best teammate he can be.

“You know, I can inspire people. I can try and do my best to make people just happy,” Everett said.

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