ORCHARD PARK, N.Y. (AP) - The Buffalo Bills released Kevin
Everett on Tuesday, clearing the way for the former tight end to
receive disability benefits for the spinal cord injury that ended
his career.
Everett was initially paralyzed from the neck down after a
violent collision with then-Denver receiver Domenik Hixon on a
kickoff return in last year's season opener.
Doctors doubted Everett would walk again, but the Texas native
regained many motor skills, including the ability to walk without
assistance.
Everett will be able to apply for long-term disability benefits
and a one-time payment under the player health reimbursement plan.
He would not have been eligible for the programs if he stayed on
the Bills active roster.
"We had numerous discussions with the league in dealing with
this process to assist him in the best way possible," the team
said in a statement Tuesday. "Kevin will always remain a Buffalo
Bill in the same way that Jim Kelly, Thurman Thomas and so many
others before him are held in the highest regard by our
franchise."
Everett, originally selected by the Bills in the third round of
the 2005 draft, is also eligible for full pension benefits because
of credit for three seasons.
"The Buffalo Bills continue to be moved by Kevin Everett's
heartwarming story of his recovery," the team said in a statement
released Tuesday. "His progress from September 9 of last year
through today is nothing short of a miracle, and is a tremendous
example of faith, family and hard work."
Joining Everett on the waived/failed physical list is WR Chris
Denney, who sustained a knee injury while playing in NFL Europa
last season. Denney was an undrafted free agent signed by the Bills
in 2006.

(Copyright 2008 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)