AI-generated illustration; not a photograph of the reported event.
- calendar_today October 11, 2026
Supporting a Deaf Athlete on the Gridiron
Communication is crucial on the football field, and for the North Greene High School Huskies in Greene County, Tennessee, that challenge has taken on a new dimension. Coach Eric Tilson and his staff have adapted their coaching approach to ensure that sophomore quarterback Tanner Collins, who is completely deaf, can fully participate and thrive as part of the team.
Discovering Talent and Facing Communication Challenges
Coach Tilson first noticed Collins's skill when he saw him throwing a football in gym class. Recognizing his potential, Tilson invited Collins to play quarterback—a decision that required careful planning to address the communication challenges inherent in such a key position.
“Started to notice him throwing the ball,” Tilson recalled. “So we’re like, ‘Hey, do you want to play quarterback?’ And he obviously got very excited.” The coaching staff immediately recognized the unique obstacles this would bring, as quarterback is a position heavily reliant on rapid, precise communication.
Trying Text, Translators, and Then Sign Language
At first, various solutions were attempted. The coaches used different texting apps and asked Collins’s brothers, who are also on the team, to serve as translators. However, it soon became clear that the most effective approach was to learn American Sign Language themselves.
“My coaches are really invested in learning sign,” Collins shared. “It shows me that they’re really committed to helping me, and I really appreciate that they’re learning.” This commitment demonstrated the staff’s dedication not just to winning games but to ensuring inclusion in sports for all of their athletes.
On the Field: Adaptive Coaching and Accessibility
Thanks to the coaching staff’s efforts to adapt, Collins quarterbacks the junior varsity North Greene Huskies and sees action on defense with the varsity squad on Friday nights. Coach Tilson praised Collins as “one of the best athletes that I’ve seen come through this school,” noting both his talent and his willingness to contribute wherever needed.
Tilson explained that Collins’s laid-back demeanor and flexibility—“almost like that laid-back surfer mentality”—make him a valuable team member. Assistant quarterbacks coach Thomas Darnell emphasized the importance of getting to know Collins personally, which further improved both communication and team chemistry.
Building Relationships and Team Inclusion
As coaches and teammates have worked to communicate more effectively with Collins, bonds have grown stronger both on and off the field. Some of Collins’s teammates have also taken the initiative to learn sign language, creating a more inclusive and cohesive team environment. “We always talk, and they sign with me as well, which I really appreciate. I like them all,” Collins said.
This collaborative effort demonstrates the power of adaptive coaching and the team’s commitment to sports accessibility.
Looking Ahead: Aspirations Beyond High School
Collins is optimistic about the future, hoping to play football at Gallaudet University, a renowned institution for the deaf and hard of hearing in Washington, D.C. He approaches the challenges of sports—and life—with resilience, saying, “It’s best to just try your best. And don’t let anyone tell you that just because you’re deaf, you can’t do it. Just be who you are.”
Through the dedication of his coaches and teammates, Tanner Collins’s journey with the North Greene Huskies celebrates the value of inclusion, determination, and the possibilities that open up when communication barriers are addressed head-on in high school football.
Source: wkrn.com.
