Michael Blidi Jr., a former standout football player from Milton Hershey High School in Dauphin County, Pennsylvania, is paralyzed from the waist down after a shooting incident last Thursday (May 29) outside his home in Brooklyn Park, Minnesota. The 6-foot-2, 225-pound athlete was a rising star, known for his explosive speed and versatility on the field, playing both linebacker and defensive line positions.
Blidi's father, Michael Blidi Sr., shared the devastating news on social media, revealing that his son was shot by an unknown gunman who approached him outside their home. The gunman fired at Blidi Jr., striking him in the abdomen, before fleeing the scene. According to CBS 21 News, the police have not yet identified any suspects, and the investigation is ongoing.
Michael Blidi Jr. had recently graduated from Milton Hershey High School, where he made a significant impact as a senior in 2023, earning second-team PennLive All-Area honors. He was set to continue his football career on a full scholarship at Iowa Central Community College, a path that now faces uncertainty due to his injuries. His father has started a GoFundMe campaign to seek financial support for his son's medical needs and potential rehabilitation, expressing hope that Michael might walk again despite the grim prognosis from doctors.
Blidi Jr.'s brother, Phillip Blidi, is also an athlete, having played as a defensive tackle at Auburn and recently signing with the Tennessee Titans as a rookie free agent. The family is rallying around Michael during this challenging time, with support from friends, teammates, and the community. Milton Hershey's athletic director, Mark Zerbe, shared his optimism about Blidi Jr.'s resilience, stating, "As unfortunate of a situation as this is, Mike will battle and do his best to recover."