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At age 18, Tommy Gates is a survivor.

The bullet wound on his lower back serves as proof.

“I’m just glad I’m still living,” Gates said.

More than a week ago, doctors removed a bulled that Gates, a standout cornerback for Westfield High School in Spring, said came close to ending his life. He now wears a brace to keep his spine in place.

“I just got shot. I was in the wrong place at the wrong time,” Gates said.

The wrong time was Monday night of his spring break; the place, a convenience store parking lot.

Gates had just left a nightclub called The Roxy with a group of teammates when he says he took a bullet intended for a friend in the parking lot of a convenience store a few blocks away.

“My leg went numb … I kept hitting it trying to get it back. I got it back and I just jumped in the truck and left,” he said.

With a bullet in his back, Gates drove all the way home.  He said all he could think about was what was important in his life: his family, his friends and football. He had just signed a scholarship with Tyler Junior College to play ball, and he knew his injury could put that in jeopardy.

“I was just trying to get home to my parents. I couldn’t think about nothing else but my parents I the car. I really wasn’t trying to worry about myself,” he said.

For Gates, playing football is a passion.  This last season, he led his team to a 13-1 record. He said game nights are perhaps when he is at his happiest.

“It’s like no other feeling in the world,” he said. “Playing football and knowing that you are doing something good.”

Like most high school players, Gates’ dream is to play in the NFL.  Luckily, doctors said with physical therapy, a full recovery is expected.  His dream is still alive.

Since the shooting, well-wishes have poured in for the football star and his family.

Gates said he’s humbled and thankful for the thoughts, but that night still haunts his dreams.

Tommy Gates has no idea who shot him. At this point, neither do detectives. But police said they are still investigating his case.

Gates’ mother quit working to care for her son.  Mounting medical bills have made it hard, but his family understands it could be worse.

They’re relying on their faith – a faith that Tommy literally wears.

Tattooed on his chest are the words “God’s Chosen One.”

“Everything flashed before my eyes,” he said. “Everything. I guess this something God wanted me to open my eyes and see.”

And after his miraculous survival story, his family believes that tattoo proved to be prophetic.

Still, there are struggles for the family – foremost, taking care of mounting medical bills.

They have set up an account at First Convenience Bank, located at any Kroger or Wal-mart, for anyone who wants to donate. The account number: 421-19-63-04.

Gates will return to Westfield High School in a month and is expected to graduate in May.

He is set to leave for football practice at Tyler Junior College June 1.