On Nov. 17, 1991, Mike Utley's life irrevocably changed.

At the time, Utley was a starting offensive lineman for the Detroit Lions. In a game against the visiting Los Angeles Rams at the Silverdome in Pontiac, Mich., Utley suffered fractures to this sixth and seventh cervical vertebrae; the injury left him paralyzed from the waist down.

As the paramedics took him from the field that day, Utley gave the crowd a thumbs up, a gesture with which he would forever be associated. That day was just the beginning of Utley's remarkable story.

Growing up in Seattle, Utley knew he wanted to be a part of the game of football from an early age.

“I always loved football growing up,” he said. “I began playing when I was young. I loved what the game had to offer and I loved being part of a team.”

His skills on the offensive line earned Utley a scholarship to Washington State. His desire to play at a big-time program and stay close to home made playing for the Cougars a perfect fit. During his four years in Pullman, Utley took part in the team's 1988 win in the Aloha Bowl, the team's first bowl victory since 1916.

“My favorite moment with Washington State was that first game I played my first year with the team,” Utley said. “My second favorite memory? My last game at Washington State. Coming out of that tunnel and hearing the crowd, it was just an amazing feeling. The fans there are the best and I always love going back there.”

Utley’s play earned him consensus First-Team All-American honors in 1988. The following year, the Detroit Lions selected him in the third round of the NFL Draft. By the time the season began, Utley was named the starting right guard for the Lions. Being a focal point in the Lions’ vaunted running attack, led by all-time great Barry Sanders, Utley learned early on how to be a professional from some of the best linemen in the game.

“I was fortunate to play alongside some really great offensive linemen,” he said. “Guys like Lomas Brown and Kevin Glover, I learned so much from those guys. Not only how to be a better player, which I did, but also what it meant to be a pro.”

Since his injury, Utley has not slowed down one bit. He is a regular on the motivational speaking circuit and is heavily involved with his charity, the Mike Utley Foundation. The group is dedicated to financially supporting effective, function-restoring treatment for spinal cord injuries. They also educate those with spinal cord injuries on how to live a rehabilitative lifestyle while promoting awareness for spinal cord injuries.

“There is nothing about my life now that I can’t do,” said Utley. “My hands don’t work the best, but I adapt, I adjust. I have a busy, full, exciting, and rewarding life. I haven’t slowed down at all. I love everything about what I do.”

This year, Utley earned one more football honor, as he was inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame. In taking his place alongside the best in the history of college football, Utley maintains his characteristic optimism tinged with humility.

“It’s really a blessing to have been selected,” he said. “People have been asking me about this for a few years. Now that it has happened, I was shocked, then excited to get the chance to share my message and be part of college football’s history.”

Eric Moreno is a freelance writer based in San Antonio, Texas. He is a graduate of the University of Texas-San Antonio and a lifetime season ticket holder for UTSA Roadrunner football. In his free time, when not attending games, is an avid reader and traveler. Follow him on Twitter at @EricMoreno6477.