On September 9, 2007, Everett's playing career came to an end when he sustained a fracture and dislocation of his cervical spine that his doctors characterized as "life-threatening" the day after the injury, and stated it is likely to leave him with permanent neurological impairment.

[3] However, on September 11, 2007, Everett showed significant movement in his arms and legs, which led doctors to speculate that he might eventually be able to walk again.

[4] Indeed, Everett walked in public for the first time at Ralph Wilson Stadium before the home finale against the New York Giants on December 23, 2007.

[9] On September 9, 2007, in Week 1 of the 2007 NFL season, while attempting to tackle Denver Broncos' kickoff return man Domenik Hixon, Everett sustained a neck injury that resulted in his transport off the field by ambulance and emergency surgery at Millard Fillmore Gates Hospital.

Cappuccino described Everett as an "NFL athlete [with] a warrior's mentality," who showed concern primarily for his family, and who asked doctors to do everything they could for him.

WIVB-TV, the CBS affiliate in Buffalo, reported on September 11 that Everett had regained voluntary movement in his arms and legs, a huge improvement compared to the prognosis given the previous day.

Later, ESPN reported that Kevin's doctors were more optimistic with the strength of movements he gained; they claimed that he may be able to possibly walk out of the hospital.

Dr. Barth Green, neurological surgery department chair at the University of Miami School of Medicine, said "based on our experience, the fact that he's moving so well, so early after such a catastrophic injury, means he will walk again."

"[4] On September 12, a report by Dr. Cappuccino and supporting neurosurgeon Dr. Kevin J. Gibbons was released via press conference that was shown live on ESPN.

[15] As of October 1, 2007, Everett had been relocated to Houston, near his family and off-season home, where he began a long rehabilitation that doctors believed would lead to him eventually walking again (they are "optimistic") and possibly even making a full recovery.

On Sunday, December 23, 2007, Kevin walked publicly on the field of Ralph Wilson Stadium in front of a number of fans for the home finale against the New York Giants.

On January 31, 2008, Everett accepted NFL commissioner Roger Goodell's invitation to sit with him at Super Bowl XLII.

Everett was the grand marshal and gave the command to start engines for NASCAR Nationwide Series Zippo 200 at Watkins Glen on August 9, 2008.