Cut by Bills, Everett Will Get Benefits

The Buffalo Bills released Kevin Everett yesterday, clearing the way for the former tight end to receive disability benefits for the spinal cord injury that ended his career.

Everett initially was paralyzed from the neck down after a violent collision with Domenik Hixon, then with the Denver Broncos, on a kickoff return in last year's season opener.

Doctors doubted Everett would walk again, but the Texas native regained many motor skills, including t he ability to walk without assistance.

Everett will be able to apply for long-term disability benefits and a one-time payment under the player health reimbursement plan. He would not have been eligible for the programs if he stayed on the Bills' active roster.

"We had numerous discussions with the league in dealing with this process to assist him in the best way possible," the team said in a statement. "Kevin will always remain a Buffalo Bill in the same way that Jim Kelly, Thurman Thomas and so many others before him are held in the highest regard by our franchise."

Everett, originally selected by the Bills in the third round of the 2005 draft, also is eligible for full pension benefits because of credit for three seasons.

"The Buffalo Bills continue to be moved by Kevin Everett's heartwarming story of his recovery," the team said in the statement. "His progress from September 9 of last year through today is nothing short of a miracle, and is a tremendous example of faith, family and hard work."

By being placed on the team's waived/failed physical list, Everett can apply for an annual $224,000 disability payment and a one-time payment of $75,000 as part of the NFL's Player Health Reimbursement Plan. An injured player isn't eligible for medical benefits while on an active roster.

Because Everett received his base salary of $435,000 last season, he was credited with three NFL seasons, qualifying him for a full NFL pension of $1,410 a month. He was to earn a salary of $460,000 this season. Everett also will receive five years of family medical and dental insurance coverage, according to the NFL Players Association.

Wide receiver Chris Denney, who suffered a knee injury while playing in NFL Europe last season, joined Everett on the waived/failed physical list.

-- From News Services