Toddler Tackled at College Football Scrimmage

FT. COLLINS, Co. Apr. 23, 2007 -- A four-year-old boy is going to be fine after quite an adventure over the weekend in Fort Collins.

Caden Thomas and his family were at Colorado State University attending the school's annual spring football game on Saturday.

During a play, one of the players caught a ball in the end zone and then slammed into Caden, with both crashing into a wall.

"It was kind of scary 'cause I got bonked by the football," said young Caden. "It kind of hurted."

The football player says he did what he could to try and protect the boy from being seriously hurt. The boy received a deep cut to his forehead.

"You turn your head to look on one child and here goes the other child," said Caden's mom Holly Thomas. "It happens to every parent and you don't have eyes on all sides of your head. It's the worst thing you can imagine as a parent and then you're facing it."

Monday, the boy was at home with a few stitches in his forehead, but otherwise is doing well. His parents say they are grateful their son was not more seriously hurt, calling the entire incident a freak accident.

Caden did receive a game football signed by the head coach of the CSU football team and some other gifts to try and help him feel better.

"I feel grateful. Very grateful," says Holly. "I wouldn't wish this on anybody. This one has a happy ending and I acknowledge that. Not every story has a happy ending."

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