Full Breakdown
Derick Hall's Journey: From 23-Week Premature Birth to Super Bowl Champion
6/11/2026, 9:46:38 PM
Super Bowl 60 Victory Highlights Hall's Rise
Seattle Seahawks linebacker Derick Hall recorded two sacks, two tackles and a fumble recovery in the third quarter of Super Bowl 60, contributing to the team’s victory over the New England Patriots.
Premature Birth and NICU Care
Hall was born in Mississippi in 2001 at 23 weeks gestation, weighing 2 lb 9 oz. He was placed on life support and remained in the NICU for over five months. Doctors warned his mother, Stacy Gooden-Crandle, that he might never walk or talk. He experienced developmental delays until age six, after which his growth accelerated.
Key Figures and Organizations
- Derick Hall – Seahawks linebacker, Super Bowl 60 champion.
- Stacy Gooden-Crandle – Hall’s mother, former NICU caregiver, co-founder of One Percent Foundation.
- One Percent Foundation – Non-profit raising awareness and funds for NICU families.
- Huggies – Partnered on the Natural Born Fighters campaign, donating $1 per social-media share.
Data and Statistics
Official Statements and Responses
Gooden-Crandle says the One Percent Foundation aims to give NICU families hope, describing its mission as providing “light at the end of the tunnel.” The foundation notes that Huggies’ Natural Born Fighters campaign will direct $1 per social-media share to its programs, outreach. Hall and his mother attend Seahawks games to raise awareness of neonatal challenges.
Mother’s On-the-Ground Account
Gooden-Crandle describes the NICU period as a time of uncertainty and says she “never talked about what a NICU parent goes through.” She left work for years to care for Hall, faced financial strain, and initially resisted his football until a flag-football program at age four revealed his talent. She credits the sport with giving Hall normalcy and peace.
Verbatim Quotes
- “From one NICU mom to another, 'There is light at the end of the tunnel.' Off the field, Hall and his mom work together to raise awareness and funds for families with infants in the neonatal intensive care unit. Gooden-Crandle said she responds to every family that reaches out to her at Derick Hall’s One Percent Foundation. Hall and his mother recently partnered with Huggies on its Natural Born Fighters campaign, where Huggies is donating $1 to Derick Hall’s One Percent Foundation for every eligible social media share.” — Stacy Gooden-Crandle, mother
- “my faith in God and my family and my village surrounded me with love and support.” — Stacy Gooden-Crandle
- “Mentally, I was a mess. We never talk about what a NICU parent goes through,” — Stacy Gooden-Crandle
- “You have to leave the hospital while your baby is still there and still fighting for their life.” — Stacy Gooden-Crandle
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
The sources provide a consistent account of Hall’s birth, NICU stay, and Super Bowl performance; no contradictory information is noted.
What's Next
The One Percent Foundation plans to broaden its partnership network, increase social-media fundraising with Huggies, and host educational events for NICU families during the next NFL season.
