Former Notre Dame star defensive lineman Louis Nix, III was shot while putting air in his car tire this past week in his hometown of Jacksonville, Florida.
Eric Hansen of the South Bend Tribune caught up with Nix on Sunday as the 2014 draft pick of the Houston Texans remained hospitalized.
“I’m feeling better,” he said Sunday. “I’ve been doing breathing therapy. I just have to take my time, because I just don’t feel normal.
“I’m getting so much support from people, and I really appreciate it. It makes me feel stronger. I had hoped to be home from the hospital by now. I realize now it’s going to be a long road, but I’m up for it.” – Louis Nix to Eric Hansen
If you’re interested, Nix’s mother has set up a GoFundMe page in order to help Nix out. It has raised over $34,000 since Friday.
While in middle school, Nix lost his older brother, Louis Nix, Jr. to gun violence.
“I can feel the love,” Nix said. “So many people have reached out to me on social media, and I appreciate the support and prayers. My family has been very supportive, too. My brother, mom and girlfriend come by every day to see me.
“They’re mostly worried, though. We don’t know how it’ll go if they decide to keep the bullet in. They don’t know how it’ll affect my everyday life, going forward. We just have to pray everything will be OK.” – Nix
All the best in this recovery to one of the most-beloved members the Notre Dame football team has seen in recent decades.
We will continue to keep you posted with any developments on this story along the way.