Daphne coach out of surgery

MOBILE, Ala. (WALA) - Family members said assistant Daphne football coach Jacy Todd has been upgraded from critical to serious condition at USA Medical Center, but he still has a lot of progress to make .

Todd was in a car accident on August 1 on Highway 181 near I-10. He suffered a spinal injury, collapsed lung, broken ribs, and a head laceration.

Todd was taken into surgery Wednesday where rods were placed in his back for support and Thursday, he was taken off the ventilator and started to sit up.

“His ribs have already started to heal according to the surgeon. When they went in yesterday, they had already seen where the healing has started to take place,” said Todd’s sister-in-law Dynette Ballard.

Family said Todd is starting to use head nods to communicate with them, and he is regaining his sense of humor.

They don’t know if he will walk again but expect he will be back to coaching when he has completely healed.

“We think he will be able to do everything he did before the accident. He just may have to do it sitting down,” said Ballard. “The surgeon’s exact words yesterday are, ‘You never give up hope,' and we’re still praying for that miracle.’”

Family members said once Todd is stable and breathing on his own, he will be transported to rehab.

The community is rallying in support of Todd at the Daphne versus Spanish Fort football game.

The family said they plan to wear tee-shirts that read “Daphne Trojans believe in a miracle”.

To keep updated on Todd’s condition and information for purchasing a tee-shirt, visit the family’s blog .