Broadcaster Caleb Brown survives a 20-foot fall and chooses rehabilitation

On a Saturday morning in Flagler County, Florida, football fans at the county park were stunned — and it wasn't by a play on the field.

As Caleb Brown was broadcasting the game, a strong wind caused him to lose his balance, and he fell more than 20 feet from a scaffold platform.

“I remember the landing,” he said. “I think I blacked out for two to five seconds because I was lying face down.”

Known for his energetic play-by-play calls, Caleb's voice is a staple for local sports fans.

“I've been with Brevard Sports Network for five years,” Caleb said. “I enjoy sports. It's an opportunity for students to shine and show their talents, and I enjoy learning new things to make the game even better. I love giving back and supporting youth sports — it's a passion of mine.”

Choosing inpatient rehabilitation

After his fall, Caleb was rushed to the Halifax Health Medical Center to treat his injuries. He underwent several surgeries while in the hospital. Once stable, Caleb faced multiple injuries that limited his ability to stand, walk or move freely. He was uncertain if he'd ever be calling games again.

For him, recovery was about more than walking again. It was about returning to the microphone and continuing his passion for broadcasting local sports. Caleb needed intensive therapy and medical care to help him continue to recover.

After considering the treatment his grandfather received a few years earlier, Caleb chose Sea Pines Rehabilitation Hospital, an affiliate of Encompass Health.

“I chose Sea Pines because they did great work with my grandfather when he had his stroke,” he said. “I have always seen it as a great rehab hospital. When I told fans about my decision to go there, I received nothing but high praise for Sea Pines.”

Caleb's goal was clear: regain his independence and return to calling games. He also had responsibilities as a school custodian, which motivated him even more to work hard during therapy.

“I was pretty much bedridden,” he said. “My physical therapists would try to get me up and moving. I had to relearn how to walk with a walker. I had a great care team, especially the therapists who really pushed me, but not beyond my limits. I tried to approach my sessions with a positive attitude despite my condition.”

'My care team was very supportive'

While in recovery, Caleb spent most of his time relearning how to do the activities he once loved — including preparing for the day he could return to the broadcast booth.

Holly Shadrick, his occupational therapy assistant, said that Caleb had a positive attitude despite his condition. With physical, occupational and speech therapy he went from lying in bed to participating in group sessions.

“Caleb experienced a lot of pain from his injuries,” Shadrick said. “I worked with him on relearning how to perform self-care tasks such as cooking, showering and more to ensure a safe transition back home. He lifted everyone up and often cracked jokes to brighten up anyone's day. His recovery is truly inspiring.”

Transition back home

Prior to discharge, Caleb was able to move and perform standing exercises with a walker. He was excited to return home and sleep in his own bed.

Currently, Caleb is recovering in outpatient therapy and must undergo two additional surgeries. However, his focus remains on returning to the microphone and continuing to share the excitement of local sports with fans.

“I really enjoyed my time at Sea Pines, and I learned a lot. My therapy team took the time to support me, and it didn't really seem like a job to them. I encourage anyone who needs rehabilitation to go to Encompass Health because they really care about their patients.”