Matt Branch, former football player for LSU and survivor of a tragic hunting accident, describes his experiences and shares a message of hope in his new book Nobody’s Gonna Die Today.
In December 2018 while on a hunting trip with friends, Branch’s gun accidentally went off and severed his femoral artery. “I knew I was about to die,” Branch recalled. “I experienced death that day.” As he lay bleeding on the ground, his life flashed before his eyes – and he didn’t like what he saw. “I lived a selfish life,” he said. “Dying with a rotten, selfish life. That’s something I never want to experience again.”
Against all odds, Branch survived. But doctors had to amputate his entire left leg to save his life. He awoke from a coma with no strength or mobility, facing a grueling road to recovery.
Branch was determined to walk again – and not just for himself. “My family is my number one driver,” he said. He wanted to be able to chase after his young son and daughter as they grew up. He also felt called to share his story to give others hope. “You have a purpose,” he said. “You can inspire people just by putting a smile on your face every day.”
Through intensive rehab, Branch regained more mobility and independence than anyone imagined. “I’ve been continuously surprised by what I’m still capable of doing,” he said. He started sharing his story at churches and schools, using his experiences to spread a message of faith, purpose, and making the most of second chances.
In his new book, “Nobody’s Gonna Die Today,” Branch reveals the excruciating details of his accident and recovery. “A lot of people heard about it, but there were never really any specific details of how it happened,” he said. “My intention was to fill people in on the gaps.”
The title is a poignant reference to something his football coach used to tell players to keep pushing through tough workouts – “nobody’s gonna die today.” For Branch, it signifies cheating death and making the most of his second chance at life.
Today, Branch focuses on what really matters – faith, family, and inspiring others. “When I thought my life was over, all the things I thought mattered didn’t,” he said. “Collecting stories you can be proud of is a far better pursuit than collecting stuff.”
Branch’s story of triumph over tragedy serves as an inspiration. His perseverance, purpose, and eternal optimism provide hope that even in our darkest moments, strength and meaning can be found. “There’s always somebody else out there going through something similar or worse,” Branch said. “You have a purpose. You can be a light for the world to see.”
Through his harrowing experiences, Matt Branch has found his purpose – and in sharing his story, he’s fulfilling it.
Since the book’s release on May 17, 2023, it has already reached the number one spot on Barnes and Noble.
