Patriots’ Christopher excited about his comeback after injuries

MADISON – No one has a deeper, more emotional connection to the 2025 Bob Jones football season than wide receiver/ running back Kaleb Christopher. Known to have a high football IQ and smart on how to carry the ball once in his grasp, the senior Patriot is thankful just to have the opportunity to be able to suit up in the team’s colors and step onto the field and actually take a snap in live action.

One of six receivers on the squad who have adopted a group nickname of “Hot Boyz” and splitting his playing time at running back, Christopher has set his sights on having a complete season of action after missing most of three previous campaigns within the program due to several injuries.

“I’m not worried about being injured again as I feel I’m mentally strong in my comeback as I love football and I’ve never questioned about not playing,” said Christopher, son of Adrian Allen and Adrain Christopher-Allen, and whose twin sister, Aalah, is a member of the Bob Jones flag football and track teams.

Arriving in Madison from the large metropolis of Memphis, Tenn. in 2018, Christopher quickly joined the Discovery Middle School football team playing both offense and defense in both his seventh and eighth grade seasons. Upon making his way to the program at Bob Jones as a member of the Patriots’ freshman team, he played his usual heads-up style of football and was facing the Florence Falcons when he suffered an injury to his right knee having a fractured knee and sprained MCL. No surgery was required, but the talented athlete missed the remainder of his freshman season.

Recuperating to perfection during the off-season, Christopher suited up as a sophomore with the junior varsity team and also played in two varsity matchups before he injured a right-hip flexor ending his season earlier than he had hoped. Again, he went through extensive rehabilitation as he prepped for the spring practice sessions for his upcoming junior season of play.

For Christopher, things were looking bright as he was receiving lots of reps at running back during intensive practice sessions and even broke a big play for a touchdown much to the approval of the coaching staff. His performances were as bright as anyone of the team until another injury fell upon the 5-foot-9, 170-pound fleet-footed athlete. “I was running the ball when a defensive player came to tackle me, but lost his footing and fell at my legs and another tackler hit me high,” said Christopher. “I knew right away I injured my right ankle and it could be serious.”

Walking off the field to the bench area, Christopher was treated by the team’s athletic trainer with ice packs. He then walked his way to the athletic training room for further evaluation and it was there the disappointed Christopher learned the injury was more serious than first thought.

“The athletic trainer told me the injury was bad, worse than a sprain,” added Christopher. “I wasn’t scared, just upset as I knew I was going to miss the upcoming spring game. I visited a doctor the next day and the worst was confirmed. I broke my ankle in three places.”

A week following the injury, “KC” as he’s nicknamed, underwent surgery where three screws and a medal plate were inserted to repair the injured ankle. Christopher was placed in a cast he wore for eight weeks and then placed in a specially made boot for an additional two weeks. The rehabilitation from the injury included eight weeks of physical therapy, the fitting of an orthopedic scooter, which Christopher said he rode around his neighborhood to be with friends, and going through core exercises to remain in top physical shape. At summer workouts and practice sessions, he was always there with his teammates showing support all awhile waiting for his chance to play again, but due to the injury and surgery, Christopher missed his entire junior season.

“During my time away from the field I was there for my teammates the entire way and I watched and listened as I grew my knowledge of the game, but was frustrated I could not play,” said Christopher. “During last season, I attended every game and by week six of the schedule against Sparkman, I suited up and went through pre-game warmups. It was the closest I got to playing.”

As the 2025 season is now underway and Christopher has been totally cleared to play his final year of high school football, he reminisced about his injuries, time away from his favorite sport and how he recovered in every way, including spiritually.

“I spoke with God to heal me and give me a chance to prove what I can do,” he added. “I had a great supporting cast with my family, friends, teammates and coaches. Today, I feel my prayers have been answered.”

Christopher has a 3.8 grade point average and has always wanted to remain around sports in some way, even in his adult life. He hopes to play college football if possible and would like to earn a degree in sports medicine. His thoughts about his injuries, recovery and believing he could make a comeback has led him to speak to others among his school about the process of any injury they have sustained by telling them his story, letting them understand they, too, can come through adversity much like he did and not to rush the mental anguish of suffering a serious injury.

“Playing sports has made a big impact of my way of life,” added Christopher.