Rattlers' Markee White after collision: 'Am I going to walk again?'

Returning to football isn't on Markee White's mind right now.

He just wants to take it day by day, recover, and give thanks that he will be able to walk.

The Rattlers' 6-foot-7, 215-pound wide receiver reached out to azcentral sports on Wednesday to express his gratitude to the Rattlers organization and to the fans in Phoenix and Spokane for all of their prayers and well wishes, as he begins the healing process after undergoing surgery Sunday in Spokane for a broken back.

He suffered the injury Saturday against the Shock, colliding headfirst into a wall, trying to bring in his fourth touchdown catch of the game.

"My overall goal is to get full restoration and be there for my kids and my family," said White via phone from his hospital room. "That's life after football. That's the biggest thing for me, to be able to walk. I've been a good guy. I've trained myself like a professional. I just want to thank the Arizona Rattlers organization, and all of the prayers and well wishes from Spokane."

White has been inundated with heart-felt messages from both the Rattlers and the Shock since the scary moment. He began his Arena football career with the Shock, teaming up with current Rattlers quarterback Nick Davila on the Shock's 2009 af2 championship team.

White was the key to the Shock's first ArenaBowl championship in 2010. It was Spokane's first year in the Arena Football League.

"A lot of things went through my head," White said. "The biggest thing was my overall health. Am I going to be able to walk? I didn't know what was going on at the time. It was scary."

White, who has movement in his arms and legs, is expected to make a full recovery. He said he is just taking things day by day with family around to support him. He said returning to football isn't foremost on his mind right now.

"I'm not thinking about the future but my overall health and walking," White said. "I got the best professional care out here. The biggest thing is I just want to thank everyone."

White received a big ovation from the Spokane fans as he was being wheeled off the field Saturday, as White gave a thumbs up.

"That was a great feeling, getting that support," he said. "I felt like at this point in time you think about life and football doesn't last, it could be taken away in a minute. I was just thinking about, 'Am I going to walk again?' ''