JACKSONVILLE, Fla. -- JT Townsend was a team captain at Episcopal High School and a football standout when one hit changed his life. Five years after Townsend was paralyzed during a game, Episcopal erected and revealed a permanent tribute to one of its most famous graduates.

"JT Townsend to Episcopal High School is courage, he is a walk of faith, he is a gift of God and he is a blessing to this community," one community member said.

On Wednesday, Townsend's football and basketball jerseys were put on permanent display at the Buck Student Center, a hub of student activity and a place where Townsend can be remembered daily.

The school called the intimate gathering a celebration of courage. The display was revealed to a group of administration, friends and family all who said they love him.

"My heart -- it it's overwhelming. It's a blessing to have it up there and know that it'll be up there for a while," Townsend said. "The situation isn't easy but with God, faith and prayer you can get through anything."

The school retired Townsend's jersey numbers, seven and five, but plan to keep his legacy alive on the courts and the field. At the discretion of the coaches the No. 7 patch or the No. 5 patch may be awarded to a football or basketball player who displays Townsend's tenacity and courage and unfailing sense of accomplishment.

Townsend's spinal injury in 2004 has inspired an outpouring of support from the community. The hallways were a sea of maroon Wednesday as many students wore shirts with the number seven.

Following the dedication of the tribute, Townsend and the rest of the students attended the JT Townsend Tenacity Awards Ceremony, which is an award given every year to an athlete who displays courage in the midst of incredible odds.