17-year-old Georgia high school football player left fighting for his life following a career-ending injury

On Nov. 15, OJ Appiah, a linebacker for Archer High School, sustained a severe brain injury that ended his football career, exposing Georgia high school football to the perils of the game.

The 17-year-old collapsed on the ground during the customary handshakes after the game and was hospitalized immediately.

Appiah's Archer High School took on the Harrison Hoyas on Nov. 15 and won the game, 46-42. However, the result became an afterthought as Appiah was escorted to the Marietta, Georgia’s Wellstar Kennestone Hospital.

Doctors at the hospital believe that the linebacker will recover given his age and physical fitness prior to the injury.

Due to excessive swelling in his brain, even if Appiah makes a successful recovery, he won't be able to play football anymore. Even a minor hit to his head can cause serious damage in the future, as per his sister, Joanna Paradiso.

Appiah played in five games this season for Archer High School, as per MaxPreps. He accumulated 18 total tackles and a couple of sacks during these games. The Tigers' latest game resulted in a 45-28 loss against West Forsyth.

OJ Appiah's sister, Joanna Paradiso, created a 'GoFundMe' page for her brother

The Archer High School linebacker, OJ Appiah, suffered a terrible brain injury during the Tigers' game against Harrison on Nov. 15. His injury landed him in the ICU as doctors performed an emergency operation to stop the swelling in his brain.

Appiah's sister, Joanna Paradiso, created a 'GoFundMe' page for her brother and discussed his situation.

"As some of you may know, on the evening of November 15th, OJ was involved in a terrible injury while playing in the Archer football game. He has suffered a traumatic brain injury and is currently in the ICU," Paradiso wrote.

She claimed that the money would help her brother's medical expenses and other necessities. She also shared a 'thank yo'u message on the page while talking about her brother's recovery.

"Through the grace of God and all of your well wishes, we are overjoyed to share that he continues to make daily progress!" Paradiso wrote.

OJ Appiah won't be able to play football anymore, but the doctors have assured the family that he will be able to make a full recovery. Meanwhile, the Archer Tigers finished their season with a 4-8 record while going 3-3 in their region.