Trace Meullion had his senior year before him, ready to take the field with his team. But tragedy struck. First he lost his father, then an ATV accident cost him his ability to walk for six weeks. When he finally worked his way back, a broken hand sidelined him yet again. But Trace persisted and has already made a big impact on the Cru in just two weeks. Read more about Trace and his story here.
What is your career goal and why?
My career goal is to play in the NFL. It has been a lifelong goal of mine and I love the game of football.
Why did you choose UMHB?
I chose UMHB because they have a culture of winning and development, which I could use to my advantage and to help me continue to improve.
Tell us about your dad.
My dad was someone you would consider a gentle giant, fairly monotone but was a smart man of many skills and trades. He was always able to learn something and master it quickly. He passed away in April of 2025 after a cardiac event. It took its toll on me mentally. I was already going through a lot on and off the field, so adding that really affected me tremendously.
Tell us about your accident.
I was riding an ATV at my friend's lake house on July 14th, my late father's birthday, when I hit a bump and lost control of the ATV, going into a ditch. When I went into the ditch, I grabbed the gas instead of the brake on the handle which caused me to jump out of the ditch and head directly for a cluster of trees going 30+ mph. When I was about to hit the tree, I jumped off the ATV at the last second and my body flew into another tree. I hit the ground, splitting my entire pelvis in half. I also had broken hip joints and I fractured my L1-5 in my lower to mid spine. It was looking extremely grim. Doctors said I would have an extremely long road to recovery. The doctors were also saying that I would need lots of screws and metal plates along with being wheelchair-bound for up to six months. I stayed in good spirits and the surgery went better than expected. I only needed three screws: two across my pelvis and one connecting my right hip joint. I spent a week in the hospital before I was able to go home. My mother remade her office at home into a room for me as I was unable to go upstairs.
What was your recovery like?
I am a very strong-willed person so I understood that recovery would be a large task to grasp but I was up for the challenge. I spent six weeks in a wheelchair, not even a fraction of what they originally thought, before I was cleared to walk. The day I got cleared, although my body wasn't the same, my mind and spirit were even stronger. They wanted me to wheel out of my doctor's appointment or crutch out and I said no. I walked out on my own two feet the first day cleared after not walking. I worked my hardest at physical therapy because I knew my goal and I was set on achieving it. I would do whatever workouts or stretches needed to get back the fastest I could. This entire thing could've been too much to handle but I just kept working and doing whatever workouts I needed to do so I could get back on that field.
What was it like getting back to football?
Getting back on the field was unexplainable; I love this sport so much and this situation added loads of depth to that level of love and commitment. Even when I came back, it was short-lived, as there were only a few weeks of the season left. When I finally made it back and was able to play and produce on the field for my team, I broke my hand in practice rendering me out for the rest of the season. I wasn't able to play a snap my entire senior year, but I didn't let that deter me. I kept working, found a way and now I'm here at UMHB. That situation taught me not only can you do whatever you put your mind to but also to cherish and be grateful for every accomplishment and moment you have as they are all significant no matter how small. Football has healed me in many ways. I don't do it solely for myself anymore. Not only do I play for my late father, but I do it for the amazing selfless woman who raised me and taught me everything I know in life. I owe her the world as she has given so much for me to accomplish this dream of mine. Every day I think about the people dear to me and I give everything I have.
What message would give people in a similar situation?
The message I would give someone in a similar situation is just to listen, make smart decisions that won't jeopardize what you love, and just trust yourself that it will all work out if you believe. Stay positive no matter what. If I could go back, I would tell myself to listen to my mom and not be so hardheaded.
