Carter Quinn, a former quarterback at Lely High School in Naples, Florida, has been cleared by the Florida High School Athletic Association to use a fifth year of eligibility after a battle with leukemia.
A Comeback Fueled by Community Support
The waiver that secured his return was built on a coalition of support, including former Naples head coach Bill Kramer, Lely administrators, and Naples police chief Sean Phillips, who helped coordinate the application under FHSAA Bylaw 10.4.4.
Quinn missed the entire 2025 season, spending it assisting coaches and mentoring younger players, a period that culminated in a district championship as part of the coaching staff before he transferred to Chaminade‑Madonna College Preparatory School.
Now physically transformed, he has added roughly 45 pounds, moving from 135 to nearly 180 pounds, and says the game feels more rewarding than ever after his health battle.
His journey underscores the resilience of Southwest Florida’s football community, where personal adversity has translated into collective inspiration.