EDGECOMBE COUNTY, N.C. (WTVD) -- Edgecombe County football star Quontellas Norwood put his nerves aside Friday night and embarked on a game he thought he'd never play.
Not too long ago, doctors told Norwood he might not be able to physically play the sport he loves ever again. The teen was injured this summer in a drive-by shooting. He spent weeks in the hospital recouping and even more time rehabilitating.
"It feels great to be with my team and just to get back into the feeling of things," Norwood said.
It has been a long, emotional journey for Norwood and many others.
"We feel mighty blessed to have him back," said Head Coach Jonathan Cobb. "He's one of our leaders. A great leader, he's a great young man. I'm so proud of him and how hard he's worked."
Rocky Mount police said the teen was driving down Leggett Rd. in Rocky Mount around 1:45 a.m. on Aug. 30 when someone in a passing car fired several shots into his vehicle, causing him to run off the road. Home surveillance video caught Norwood on camera minutes after the shooting. He was bleeding as he climbed a staircase and pleading with a neighbor to call 911.
Norwood now has scars from his injuries and doctors say there may be some nerve damage on his face. One thing that hasn't been damaged at all, though, is his determination.
"I never gave up. I kept exercising, did what they told me to do and here I am," said Norwood.
There have been no arrests in the shooting. Police are still investigating.
Anyone with any information is asked to call CrimeStoppers at (252) 977-1111 or the Rocky Mount Police Department at (252) 972-1411.