Ben Abercrombie’s Unthinkable Climb: From the Football Field to Harvard Graduation

In 2017, Ben Abercrombie stepped onto the football field for his first game as a freshman safety at Harvard. Full of promise and grit, he was ready to make his mark. But in a single, devastating moment, everything changed. A collision left him with a severe spinal cord injury, paralyzed from the neck down. His football career ended before it began—but his story was far from over.

What followed was not just a recovery—it was a transformation. Over the next eight years, Ben faced unimaginable physical and emotional challenges. Yet he never stopped working. He returned to Harvard, determined to finish what he started. With the help of family, friends, and the Crimson community, he pursued his degree in economics, driven by a dream to help professional athletes manage their finances.

Ben’s journey was marked by quiet milestones: mastering voice-controlled technology, attending classes remotely, and eventually returning to campus. He became a symbol of resilience, not just for Harvard, but for anyone facing adversity. His story inspired fundraisers, tributes, and a movement of support known as “Bowl for Ben.”

In May 2025, Ben Abercrombie graduated from Harvard College. He crossed the stage in his wheelchair, greeted by thunderous applause and tearful admiration. It wasn’t just a personal victory—it was a triumph of spirit, perseverance, and community.

“I’m still the same person,” Ben said. “I still love football. I still work hard. I just had to find a new way forward.”

His climb was unthinkable. His achievement, unforgettable.