It was the type of news that shook the entire college football community. In late August, a routine morning drive on a South Carolina road turned into a nightmare when a violent head-on collision took the life of one person and left another fighting for life. The survivor had been rushed into the trauma intensive care unit at Prisma Health Richland, underwent several surgeries, and weeks of agonizing recuperation. It wasn’t until much later that the college football community discovered that the man in that hospital bed was Travian Robertson, the defensive line coach of the Gamecocks.
The life of the SC assistant coach and his family was forever changed in late August after the horrific accident. Robertson spent ten days in the trauma intensive care unit after the crash. He then spent an extra week in the hospital. He’s already had five surgeries and months of recovery while grieving the loss of the other driver, 35-year-old Kelly Johnson, who was killed on the scene. In one of his initial statements, Robertson stated, “My current focus is on recovery and rehabilitation so I can get back to being the husband, father, and coach I am called to be.” And he is indeed getting better, as in a recent X post, Gamecocks insider Jordan Kaye wrote, “Shane Beamer said DL coach Travian Robertson has been watching practice from a balcony the last two Wednesdays.”
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On September 29, Robertson made the decision to share three extremely personal images on social media with his followers: a picture of himself in the hospital, a picture of his car in ruins from the collision, and a sweet moment with his kids by his bedside. He wrote, “A little over five weeks ago, my entire world shifted for me and for my family. It’s hard to put into words how much has changed, but one thing I know for sure: I’m grateful beyond measure to still be here. To be breathing, healing, and able to share my story. Thank you God!”
Despite his inability to attend games at this time, Robertson has found methods to maintain his relationship with the team he loves. About 3 weeks after the injury, Robertson was sitting on the balcony with headphones on, chatting with coaches and players from above, according to head coach Shane Beamer. “We’re texting with him and talking with him regularly, and he continues to get better,” Beamer said. “I know he’s looking forward to being back here with us full speed as soon as possible. “For the time being, assistant Jordan Dove is in charge of the defensive line on the field, but Beamer believes Robertson’s presence, even from the balcony, is already having an impact.
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Travian Robertson’s road to recovery
What began as a typical August morning became something that totally flipped Travian Robertson’s world. His Chevy Tahoe was hit head-on by another car that had crossed the center line close to Chapin just before six in the morning on August 22. Kelly Marie Johnson, 35, the other driver, passed away at the scene, and Robertson was taken to the trauma intensive care unit. He would stay in the hospital until September 5, have five surgeries, and spend 10 days there.
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Robertson and his spouse, Kettiany, have sued Johnson’s estate in recent weeks, claiming damages related to the harm, suffering, and effect on their family. According to the filing, Johnson was intoxicated that morning, and Robertson’s attorneys called her behavior “reckless.” For the Robertsons, it’s about rebuilding their life piece by piece, not just about the legal aspect. Robertson released a statement saying” Kettiany, our three boys, and I sincerely appreciate the outpouring of prayers and support we have received from the community… It has been and will continue to be a journey, but I am grateful to God my life was spared.”
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Robertson is still passionate about football despite his ongoing recovery process. Although he hasn’t returned to the field yet, he has been figuring out ways to stay involved. He has even shown up to practices wearing a headset and watching from a balcony in his wheelchair, as well as virtually participating in meetings for game planning. Defensive coordinator Clayton White added. “It’s definitely been awesome to hear his voice, to see him on FaceTime. … We definitely miss him.” or the time being, Robertson’s fight is about healing. Still, his story is quickly evolving into one of resilience, faith, and the everlasting bond between family and football.