Robert Paylor
@RobertPaylor5
Followers
11K
Following
6K
Media
55
Statuses
171
Inspirational Speaker | Quadriplegic on a journey to walk again and inspire others
Joined March 2020
Four years ago my doctor told me I would never walk again. Yesterday, I walked across the stage to receive my diploma from the number one public university in the world. My dream has become reality.
97
444
4K
I stood up out of my bed and into my walker today. This is a huge step towards me being able to walk around my house on my own. Getting that much closer to saying goodbye to my wheelchair!
1K
3K
72K
Today I completed 100 sit-to-stands, a milestone that took me seven years to reach!! All of the hard work counties to pay off. A reminder to never quit, never give up.
2K
3K
60K
I stood up out of the car for the first time today. It took me 1,084 days to make this happen. Doing something so simple never felt so good.
335
841
19K
Today marks the first time on my feet on Witter Rugby Field’s turf since my injury. No greater place to get some work in.
138
443
8K
I’ve never posted before about what I look like at the end of my workouts. I’m exhausted, trembling, and fighting for every inch; but in my mind, I’m loving every moment. These are the reps that lead to something better, and these are the reps that I cherish the most.
133
156
3K
I have officially stood up completely on my own into my walker! This is a massive accomplishment towards my independence and goal of walking full-time again.
58
157
2K
The happiest moment of my life. It took 1,576 days to reach this moment, and every second was worth it. Thank you to my family, friends, and everyone who carried me when I couldn't carry myself. I took these steps because of you.
36
176
2K
Yesterday I hit a huge milestone — walking in my pool with just one hand on the wall. This takes an incredible amount of focus and balance from me. I’m 1,874 days into this journey and the hard work continues to pay off. This is a sign of more great things to come!
73
60
2K
Still getting after it! I’ve seen great improvements in my balance and am now able to walk with just one hand on the side of the pool.
58
78
2K
My balance is continuing to improve and I’m now able to stand up in the pool on my own!
42
76
2K
I’ve progressed to be able to take on a new challenge, standing up from my couch. This was impossible for over 1700 days; now, I have a starting point. Once this goal is accomplished, it will open up a world of independence for me.
61
57
2K
To accomplish something truly great takes years of battling through the ups and downs — even if that goal is as simple as enjoying the victory of standing up again. Never. Give. Up.
72
127
2K
This bed is lower and softer than what I’m used to, and for a long time it was impossible to stand up from. After 1,381 days, I was able to do it! This is a big step towards my independence and not needing a wheelchair anymore. Onto the next challenge.
92
58
2K
Working on walking up an incline. No hill for a climber!
78
48
1K
Hard work pays off!!. My ability to stand up has dramatically increased since I was first able to stand up from my bed 9 months ago. Some workouts are better than others, but whether the day is good or bad, I will continue to do what it takes to achieve my goal.
62
63
1K
When the dinner bell rings. Happy Thanksgiving everyone!
56
59
1K
Not a bad Christmas present to be able to stand tall next to my brother. Merry Christmas everyone!
37
29
1K
Over the course of this year my walking speed has nearly doubled, walking endurance has tripled, and I can now stand up out of my chair on my own. I am grateful for this year, the ups and the downs. Can’t wait to make 2021 the best year yet!
68
45
1K
Day 1,316. Repping out some solid consecutive sit-to-stands.
57
34
1K
It’s not an easy difference to see, but a big huge difference in my progress… I started walking today without a brace on my right leg! It’s an added challenge and requires a lot more focus, but it’s another leap towards my independence.
58
35
1K
Took on a new challenge today, walking across sloped sidewalks, ramps, and outdoor obstacles. Mission accomplished!
54
41
1K
This is the uniform that was cut off my body exactly three years ago when I broke my neck. I am celebrating this day with another workout, enjoying the gift I now have to stand on my feet and walk. I feel a deep sense of gratitude on this day.
24
75
993
Easily one of the happiest moments of my life! I have endless gratitude for all who helped me get to this moment.
44
64
849
Day 1,333. Workout with a view. Much to be grateful for closing out this year.
49
29
826
Today marks 4 years since my injury. I am forever grateful for the progress I've made and for those who have supported me, and I will not stop striving to achieve my goal of walking again. I will either get out of my wheelchair permanently one day or I will die trying.
33
42
843
My college experience has been some of the best years of my life. I am grateful for the people I met and the memories I will hold close to my heart forever. I had to fight to get to this moment, and every second has been worth it. I am proud to call myself a Golden Bear for life!
21
33
807
Today marks 5 years since my injury. I am grateful for the progress I have made and the people who have helped me get here. I walk on this day because of you.
28
43
768
I couldn't be more excited to walk across the stage alongside the UC Berkeley graduating class of 2020 this Sunday! My dream will finally be reality.
36
60
616
It was the blessing of my life to stand with my bride for our first dance. I love you Karsen and am so grateful to be your husband. Thank you for making me the happiest man in the world!
27
35
615
Today marks 2,000 days since my injury. I am celebrating today with a workout — enjoying the gift to stand on my own two feet. For 2,000 days this injury has tested me, and for each one of those days, I refused to let it win. Next up, day 3,000…
27
37
483
I am so excited to announce that I'll be giving my first TED Talk this Saturday! I will be sharing my story and the tools that have helped me overcome quadriplegia, so we may all accomplish our goals. Registration:
8
57
454
Today marks 7 years since my injury. This day was once filled with terror, but as the days add up, there is more to be proud of and grateful for. I’m grateful for my progress, the support I’ve received, and my mission to use my challenges as a source of inspiration for others.
10
25
387
The SF Chronicle just published a fantastic article on my journey, my bright future, and the many blessings in my life as I conclude my college career. Thank you to all who have helped me get to this accomplishment.
14
58
322
I started on day 1 of this journey unable to move anything below my neck; through an incredible community and an unbreakable will to achieve, I am getting my life back. What has been will be again.
6
9
299
I am thrilled to announce my new role as the Executive Director of The Big C Society. I wouldn’t be here today if it weren’t for the strength and generosity of the Golden Bears who have supported me, and I feel blessed to serve this community that has given me so much.
Introducing our ‘big get’, the new Executive Director of The Big C Society®: former Cal Rugby player and Haas Business School graduate, @RobertPaylor5!. #GoBears @CalVarsityRugby @CalAthletics .
25
14
289
I am so honored to have been selected as one of five NCAA student athletes to receive the Wilma Rudolph Student-Athlete Achievement Award. I have faced immense challenges these last 3 years, and am eternally grateful for the milestones I have reached to date.
A huge congrats to Robert Paylor who received the N4A Wilma Rudolph Student-Athlete Achievement Award, recognizing SAs from across all divisions who have overcome great personal, academic/emotional odds to achieve success while participating in intercollegiate athletics. #GoBears
10
39
266
This semester I’ve switched my focus from quantity to quality. I’ve been honing in on the knee-lift and leg extension in my step. Already seeing a noticeable difference.
3
7
196
One of the happiest moments of my life!.
𝐌𝐞𝐦𝐨𝐫𝐢𝐚𝐥 𝐌𝐞𝐦𝐨𝐫𝐲. After suffering a spinal cord injury, @CalVarsityRugby alum Robert Paylor was honored at California Memorial Stadium during the 2018 Homecoming game and walked on the field surrounded by family, friends, coaches, and fans!. #GoBears x #CMS100
5
6
197
I'm forever grateful to @beastmodestore for helping me get through college. These gloves helped me get to all my classes and workouts pushing my wheelchair through the hills of Berkeley, I couldn't have done it without them. From one Golden Bear to another, thank you.
2
9
193
Going to Craig Hospital was the single most important decision of my rehabilitation journey. Not only did they give me my life back, they gave me a better life then I could ever imagine. They believed in me when others didn’t, and for that, I am forever grateful.
“Every day is a gift, and with a little perspective, you realize that whatever challenge you are facing is something that you can overcome.” . #CraigGrad @RobertPaylor5 brings his unique perspective to people across the country as a motivational speaker:
6
10
178
I’m excited to announce my career transition into full-time public speaking! I am dedicating my life to helping organizations and individuals overcome what "paralyzes" them through sharing my story and the mental tools that help me battle quadriplegia.
4
21
178
It was exciting to share my story on @KTVU last night! Seeing where my journey began four years ago to where it has progressed now fills me with gratitude for the many blessings I've received.
7
15
142
I’m forever proud to be a member of The Big C Society, and a Golden Bear for life.
Hear from our executive director, Robert Paylor, on the emotional moment he earned his varsity letter, and what The Big "C" means to him.
2
5
140
I was so honored to be the keynote speaker for the Cal Athletics virtual commencement. In case you missed it, or would like to see it again, here’s Coach Clark’s introduction and my keynote speech!.
On Saturday, Robert Paylor was selected as @CalAthletics keynote speaker at the University of California’s Athletics commencement ceremony. Below is rugby coach Jack Clark’s intro of Robert and Robert’s keynote address which encapsulates both his and every SA's journey at Cal.
2
20
129
It’s amazing how a catastrophic injury could give me my life’s greatest purpose — something I would never wish away. I’m forever grateful for the experiences I’ve had and the people who have carried me along this journey.
2
9
121
I'm so excited to now be able to connect with everyone who has been following my journey! I've joined @vidsigofficial to schedule 1-on-1 calls and send motivational messages. Visit so we can connect!
2
13
88
With each new year comes new goals and the desire to form new habits. This tool has been crucial to help me crush my goals and push through my challenges. #hshive #honeystinger @HoneyStinger
3
9
87
I am overjoyed to announce that I will be delivering the keynote speech at the Cal Athletics virtual graduation celebration tomorrow! Use the link below to join me in celebrating my fellow graduates tomorrow at 10am!.
3
8
86
It was such an honor and joy to present my story and message to Jesuit High School, my alma mater, today. Such an amazing place and group of people.
On live now is the first of our #MarauderMomentum speaker series with special guest Robert Paylor ’15 Our Jesuit family can still join in, check your email for login info from Mr Tim Kelly.
0
3
83
I had a great time chatting with the Pac-12 Network about my journey and the next steps in my life. Give it a listen!.
.@RobertPaylor5 turned a life-altering injury into a way to inspire others. Hear the former @CalVarsityRugby player on Pac-12 Perspective. ➡️
1
12
76
The saying goes, “You should never meet your heroes, you’ll only be disappointed.” Whoever said that has never met Marcus Luttrell. Marcus is a hero to me and millions of others. It was an immense honor to speak with him and share my story of overcoming quadriplegia.
Having broken his neck in the 2017 Collegiate Rugby National Championship, Robert Paylor has not accepted defeat in his physical or mental capacities. Listen in as he tells his epic comeback story, which has brought hope to thousands. 👉
3
8
75
1,560 days of battling. I’ve come a long way and I’m not done yet!.
9
3
72
It was a pleasure sharing my journey, and my upcoming graduation and career with @nbcbayarea!.
“It's been 3 years, and 8 days since I got hurt, and every single one of those days I’ve been fighting.” A former Cal Rugby player, partially paralyzed three years ago, is making remarkable strides toward recovery.
5
5
64
What an immense honor to be included in the 100 most impactful people associated with the Golden Bears. To be listed amongst these incredible representatives of our University is humbling, and I’m grateful to all of those who have supported me along this journey.
How many of us would have the fortitude to see this through? Not many, I'm guessing.
2
1
51
Coach Billups is truly the best of us. I am forever grateful for all he has done to coach and support me in my life. He sets an example I aspire to live up to every day.
𝟐𝟓 𝐘𝐞𝐚𝐫𝐬 & 𝐂𝐨𝐮𝐧𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠. We celebrate Associate Head Coach Tom Billups, who is in his milestone 25th season with the program. We recognize his invaluable work with the Bears as a coach and leader of the team's athletic performance program. 🎞️
0
1
46
One of my favorite podcasts to date! Give it a listen if you’re looking for some inspiration!.
Check out the latest 90% Mental Podcast episode with @RobertPaylor5 , National Champion Collegiate Rugby Player, Quadriplegic, and Inspirational Speaker, where he shares his incredible story of adversity, unbreakable spirit, and a new outlook on life.
0
5
46
I had a great time chatting with my fellow Cal Rugby alum, Jon Beck. Such an inspiring conversation!.
@RobertPaylor5 joins Hiring U! to share his personal journey and the tools and strategies he honed and developed to overcome what some called impossible. "A person with a strong 'why' can bear almost any 'how'. - Robert Paylor
0
5
34
I had a great conversation on this podcast talking about spinal cord injuries and my recovery!.
2
3
46
I had such a great time as a guest on the Fuel Your Vision Podcast, sharing my story and the tools that have helped me battle quadriplegia. Give it a listen if you’re looking for some inspiration!
1
5
42
I had my first podcasting experience with the Bear Startups Podcast. We had a great conversation about my journey with quadriplegia and some of the tools I share with others to accomplish goals. Give it a listen!
1
4
43
Journeying the Camino de Santiago in a wheelchair has transformed my soul in ways I can't fully describe. A huge thank you to the Order of Malta for gifting me this experience of a million lifetimes, and to my amazing wife for being by my side through every moment. We made it!
1
1
41
I had a fun and inspiring conversation with @canvasfamily’s CEO, Todd Marksberry. Give it a listen if you’re looking for some positivity!.
In the new episode of "In the Room w/ Todd Marksberry", hear from @RobertPaylor5 about his incredible story. From the accident that took his mobility, to the journey that shaped him into who he is now, check out Todd’s latest inspirational guest here:
0
1
25
One of the most fun and inspiring conversations I’ve had.
Had a helluva time talking with my man @RobertPaylor5 on the most recent episode of the podcast!! Go check it out here:
1
1
28
Thank you @katetscott for having me on your podcast! I had such a great time, and I think there’s a lot we talked about that the world can use in these uncertain times.
🎙️ Today on The Update ➡️ Former @CalVarsityRugby player @RobertPaylor5 joins @katetscott to discuss his remarkable progress and the perspective he's gained from overcoming the odds. #Cal #GoBears #Rugby. Listen:
0
6
27
I'm honored to have been a guest on The Resilient Life, hosted by @rmanion. Each episode is dedicated to sharing the stories of people who have overcome adversity and how they came out stronger on the other side. Listen to hear mine.
0
2
25
My recent appearance on The Daily Smile was just released! Give it a listen if you’re in need of some positivity!.
2
5
24
Find a vision and a purpose! There is no better motivation than finding meaning in our journey. Thanks to @GoVengreso's CEO, @M_3jr for inviting me to be a guest in this @GoModernSelling episode. Listen here ➡️ #Gong #RevenueIntelligence.
1
0
17
Powerful stuff from a fellow Cal Rugby alum!.
This episode's guest of Forever a Golden Bear is Dr. Ian Tong (@Driantong), formerly of @CalVarsityRugby, and now the chief medical officer of @drondemand, now a part of @IncludedHealth. Listen to the full interview at:
0
2
13
@orozcosc Thank you so much for sharing this. Your son is an incredible inspiration. God bless you all.
0
0
5
@sollyfulp @Learfield @RobbyVCU Thanks so much, Solly! It was a highlight of the year for me. Such a great group of people.
1
0
6
@EricLeGrand52 Thanks so much Eric! You’ve inspired me over these last 4 years more than you could ever know. I’m forever grateful for you 🙏🏻.
0
0
6
@BlueCollar82 Yes! Chris has been a massive inspiration to me throughout my recovery. I had the pleasure of chatting with him a few months ago.
0
0
4