Tyson Gentry (born July 20, 1985) is an American author, motivational speaker, philanthropist, and advocate for individuals and families affected by spinal cord injuries.^[1] Gentry was a former football player for The Ohio State Buckeyes. His career was tragically cut short after sustaining a spinal cord injury during a spring scrimmage in 2006.^[2]

Gentry was recruited as a preferred walk-on punter in 2004, but also started playing scout team wide receiver almost immediately.^[3] In the spring of his sophomore year, he was asked to move to receiver full-time.

On April 14, 2006, during a team scrimmage, Gentry sustained a cervical spinal cord injury at the C-4 level after being tackled by fellow teammate, Kurt Coleman. The injury resulted in the loss of all sensation and movement below his shoulders. Gentry underwent two surgeries to stabilize and fuse his damaged vertebra. After two months of intensive physical and occupational therapy, Gentry regained limited strength in his biceps and partial sensation in his extremities.

Despite his injury, Gentry resumed his studies the following fall and remained involved with the football program through his senior season in 2008. He graduated with his bachelor's degree in speech and hearing science in 2009. In 2014, Gentry earned his Masters degree in rehabilitation counseling from the State University of New York at Buffalo.

In 2014, Gentry and his wife, Megan, started New Perspective Foundation, which seeks to serve families affected by spinal cord injuries.^[4] The main purpose is to provide financial support for travel expenses, so families can be at the hospital bedside of loved ones as they recover after sustaining an SCI.^[5] In July 2024, New Perspective celebrated its 10 year anniversary, having given over $600,000 to more than 250 families since its inception.^[6]

In September 2023, Gentry published his first book: The Winning Mentality for Christian Athletes: Strategies for Mental Toughness in Competition and Life. He followed this up with a non-faith version, The Winning Mentality for Student Athletes. These books are geared towards helping young athletes develop mental fortitude, so they can maximize their athletic potential.

In September 2024 Gentry published a children's book titled Rainy Day Fun: An Origami Adventure. This book teaches children about the importance of teamwork and staying positive when dealing with difficult circumstances or situations. it also allows the reader to fold a piece of paper along with the story, so they can use their imagination to go on adventures with the characters.

• On October 22, 2008, Gentry was nominated for the FedEx Orange Bowl courage award.^[7][8]

• On December 7, 2008, he received the Bo Rein Most Inspirational Player award, as voted on by his teammates.^[9]

• On February 9, 2009, the Columbus chapter of the National Football Foundation named its courage award in honor of Gentry, which he now gives out annually to an individual from Central Ohio who has shown great courage in the face of adversity.^[10]

• On September 15, 2009, Gentry was presented the E. Gordon Gee Spirit of Ohio Ohio State award.^[11]