Winston-Salem State’s Jahari Burnside: A Comeback Story Bigger Than Football

Winston-Salem, NC — Jahari Burnside isn’t just a name on the Winston-Salem State University football roster—he’s a symbol of perseverance, a walking reminder of what it means to fight back when life knocks you down.

The WSSU athlete was once on a clear path toward a breakout sophomore season before tragedy struck. In March 2023, Burnside’s life took a devastating turn after a near-fatal car accident that left him with multiple critical injuries—including a heart procedure and a hip and pelvis replacement—injuries that didn’t just jeopardize his football career but his life.

The accident was a sobering reminder of how quickly everything can change. One moment, Burnside was preparing for a pivotal season; the next, he was fighting for survival and facing the long, painful road to recovery. What followed was a true test of character. With an unshakeable support system—family, friends, coaches, and medical professionals—Burnside began a grueling rehab journey. Days were spent in physically exhausting therapy sessions as he worked not just to regain mobility and strength but to rebuild his confidence. The battle, he admits, was as mental as it was physical. "You question whether you’ll be able to do the things that you used to be able to," Burnside said.  "It’s a humbling experience that I will never forget." But Burnside never backed down. He pushed forward with every rep, session, and small milestone. And by the spring of 2025—two years after the crash—he did what many thought impossible: he returned to the field.

Now, back in a Rams uniform, Burnside is chasing the game he loves with even more purpose. He’s not just looking to be an impact player again—he’s playing for something bigger. His comeback is a beacon for anyone facing adversity, a living testament that anything is possible with hard work and relentless belief.

Burnside’s journey has already inspired his teammates and coaches, but the impact goes beyond the locker room. His story resonates because it's about more than football—it’s about the human spirit, about grit in the face of overwhelming odds.

and a hip and pelvis replacement—injuries that didn’t just jeopardize his football career. Burnside isn’t just playing for stats or wins. He’s playing for redemption. He’s playing for everyone who's ever been told they couldn’t. And most of all—he’s playing for himself, proving that sometimes, the biggest victories happen long before the scoreboard lights up.