'I can do everything:' Double amputee Calder Hodge is a high school football QB who believes in no limits

THIBODAUX, La. - Calder Hodge refuses to let a disability end his dream of becoming an NFL quarterback one day.

The 17-year-old double-amputee was born with fibular hemimelia, which is a birth defect. It  left him without tibia bones in both of his legs.

Hodge had his legs amputated when he was 2½ years old. He wears prosthetic legs to walk and play football. He would've been wheelchair-bound if his parents didn't decide to amputate his legs.

Hodge, who plays for Houston Christian High School in Texas, said he is blessed to play football.

“It makes me feel awesome because I’m a trendsetter,” Hodge said Friday at the Manning Passing Academy in Thibodaux. “I want to set the trend for guys who may have had disabilities. I'm just trying to let them know they can play football too if they just put in the work.”

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Hodge has attended the Manning Passing Academy for three years. He said this will be his final time as a high school camper before he heads to college next year, but he plans to return in the future as a college quarterback.

“I think it is awesome that I get to learn from all of these amazing college quarterbacks,” Hodge said. “They are what I want to be, so I just take everything that I can learn from them, I take one or two things from each guy and just add it to my game.”

He has developed a close relationship with the Manning family, including Archie and his sons Cooper, Peyton and Eli. They have shared advice on football and life with the young quarterback.

“The Mannings are amazing,” Hodge said. “Coop gave me his phone number last year and we’ve just stayed in touch. Every time I come out here, they’re really friendly. They share advice. They’ve always supported me. I ask them questions all the time. I want to be the smartest player on the field on offense. You’ve got three of the smartest quarterbacks to ever do it. I ask them questions constantly.”

Archie Manning said Hodge is an inspiration for all of the campers, especially since he is the first double amputee athlete to attend at the camp.

“He’s such a special kid," Manning said. "We’re delighted that he chose to come back. Everyone on our staff loves him. His attitude is what life is about. He was dealt a tough hand but he has a super attitude. We love having him at the Manning Passing Academy.”

Hodge has received national attention. He received an honorary ESPY award in 2019 for being an inspirational athlete. He participated in a Detroit Lions scrimmage and got run a play with quarterback Matt Stafford in 2019. He has also received encouragement from former Saints quarterback Drew Brees.

“I’ve always had a love for football,” Hodge said. “I’ve watched it every Sunday and Saturday with my brothers and my family, but I kind of figured out I could throw the ball a little bit when I was young. My parents put me into football when I was in fifth grade. After that it just took off and running.”

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The 6-foot-4, 220-pound Hodge said he has received interest from Southern Illinois and small colleges. He runs the 40-yard dash in 5.6 seconds  and has the arm strength to throw 55-60 yards down the field.

“I get hit. I throw on the run. I can throw in the pocket,” Hodge said. “I can do everything. I had a really good year last year. I’ve had a couple of schools calling. I’m just hoping I can continue my career and go to college. I want to play college football. That’s my dream. After I’m done playing football, I want to be a coach. I want to be around football whether it’s playing or coaching. I love it.”

Hodge said he takes pride in being a role model, especially for young athletes who work to overcome disabilities.

“Everything I try to do, I just want to be a role model to everybody and showing them you can do it,” Hodge said. “It could be a disability or a hardship in your life. I just want to show people they can make it there.”

Manning said there will always be a place for Hodge at Manning Camp.

“We admire him so much," Manning said. "It’s good for other kids to be around him and sees how he handles adversity. That’s what life’s about. I think we can find a spot for him whenever he wants to come back. He’s just so special and we love having him around.”

Reach Chris Singleton at 985-857-2213 or chris.singleton@houmatoday.com and on Twitter @courierchris.

This article originally appeared on The Courier: High school football double amputee quarterback Calder Hodge inspires