Thanks to the support of friends and family, teammates and opponents, the UCLA and ESPN community and even complete strangers, the Big Nick Fund – set up for former UCLA offensive lineman Nick Ekbatani after his recent car accident – has hit its target goal of $50,000.

In five days.

What an incredible story of a community coming together for one of the best dudes I know. Everyone understands that the recovery process will not be easy, but to be able to ease some of the financial burden on the family is just fantastic.

Knowing Nick’s passion for life, that inner fire that fuels him, he’s going to respond to this adversity. Proof: watch the video, taken less than a week after the accident.

Great job, everyone.

Hey guys, was just passed along some encouraging news about former UCLA offensive lineman Nick Ekbatani, who was in a car accident last weekend that resulted in a severe leg injury, and ultimately, amputation up to the knee.

“Nick stood up today with the help of a walker and they put him in a wheelchair so he can get used to sitting up and everything. He’s doing really well.”

The Big Nick Fund is charging ahead still, with more than $37,000 raised in just a few days, due in no small part to the support of UCLA community. Kudos.

The Big Nick Fund is up and running and it’s already on a roll…

Many of you know former UCLA offensive lineman Nick Ekbatani was involved in a car accident last weekend when his motorcycle was hit by a taxi. Ekbatani was rushed to the emergency room with a skull fracture, extensive blood loss and a damaged leg. He is stable and conscious, resting among family and friends, but unfortunately, he has lost part of his leg as a result of the accident.

One of his friends, Kim, has set up a fund to raise money for his recovery, and it’s already 1/3 of the way toward the goal of $50,000. Please consider donating, and please continue to pray. Can’t wait to be karaoke singing with the dude in no time.

Are the ones that we have to write about people we care about.

My friend and former UCLA football player Nick Ekbatani was involved in a car accident on Friday night and is in the ICU at Harbor Medical Center. I just spoke with a nurse who said he was in stable condition, but this is a scary situation.

Since Nick has been working for ESPN Recruiting we’ve become close friends, and we’re talking about hosting a podcast together. His spirit is absolutely incredible. Can’t go into too many details, but please, please pray for him. Please.

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