Where is TN Viral Video Sensation “Put it in Reverse, Terry” Now?

In celebrating the 4th of July, US Independence Day has many patriotic icons in pop culture such as Uncle Sam, Sam the Eagle from the Muppets, and the legendary James Brown Living in America in Rocky IV. Seriously, this is the ultimate American hype song!

However, another 4th of July national treasure exploded onto the scene and into our hearts when he survived a firework mishap captured on camera.  In 2017, Antario "Terry" Davis of Memphis, Tennessee was filmed by his cousin as he lit a firework in the street. As the firework exploded, Terry tried to maneuver his wheelchair away to no avail. It was stuck and wouldn't move! Luckily he was just far enough away that the sparks didn't injure him and everyone around was able to cut up as his cousin hollers and laughs.

Get our free mobile app

Years before the viral video in 2010, Terry survived an unfortunate slip and fall accident that left him wheelchair-bound with a debilitating spinal cord injury. When the company that manufactured his chair saw the video, they decided to gift him a new model that wouldn't stall him at inconvenient times.  Someone close to Terry also started a GoFundMe campaign for home improvements to make it more accessible for him.  Terry's mother and grandmother are his caregivers, but he strives to be as independent as possible.

The love Terry has received from all over the country regarding this video has gotten him through hard times. He never imagined folks would love this silly video as much as they do. I am one of those folks for sure! Put it in Reverse Terry!, cracks me up every time I watch it. Terry's sweet smile and his hilarious cousin's dramatics bring me so much joy!

Through the years, he has been invited to Independence Day celebrations across America as a guest of honor. However, he is unable to travel too far as his van is in really rough shape. Wheelchair-accessible vans often have a plethora of electrical issues and replacing the equipment is incredibly expensive. It has come to the point where Terry is needing to find a new van altogether. While he has received support from fans in the past, he doesn't make any money from the success of this video or the use of his likeness. His family has started another crowd-sourcing campaign with GoFundMe for a new vehicle that will be nice enough for Terry to finally be able to travel the country. If you love Terry as much as I do, let's show him some support here: Terry's Van Fund.

If you have never seen this amazing video, here you go! Just like grilling hot dogs and lighting sparklers, watching Terry has become a yearly 4th of July tradition for me. I hope you love it too! And y'all remember to be careful with your fireworks out there. Light them and run or BACK IT UP!

You're welcome!