He Had No Legs But When His Father Saw Him Sprint Across the Room, He Knew Football Would Never Be the Same In Oklahoma

Parents as the source of inspiration for others.

September 29, 2026

This article was last updated by Alisha Shrestha on September 4, 2026

With strength and love, Joe Martel III’s parents, Kim Martel and Joe G. Martel Jr., became the foundation of his success.

Joe Martel III, also known as Tu, has inspired countless people by becoming the first known double amputee to play football in the state of Oklahoma.

Born on October 14, 2000, Martel made history at just 14 years old when he stepped onto the field without legs, proving that determination can triumph over any obstacle.

Behind his extraordinary journey are his parents, Kim Martel and Joe G. Martel Jr., whose unwavering love and encouragement shaped his path.

Martel was born with tibial hemimelia, a rare condition in which shin bones fail to develop.

At only 18 months old, doctors amputated portions of both his legs.

For many parents, such a diagnosis might have felt overwhelming, but Kim and Joe Jr. chose to face the challenge head-on.

Instead of dwelling on limitations, they focused on possibilities for their son’s future.

His father recalls the day he realized young Joe’s potential. As a toddler, Martel placed drink koozies on the ends of his legs and ran across the living room.

“From then on, we knew that he was going to be able to participate in sports and do other things,” Joe Jr. .

That moment sparked hope, setting the stage for Joe III’s athletic pursuits.

Joe’s mother, Kim Martel, has been a constant source of motivation.

Her presence reflects her pride, where she often calls herself a “Proud Mama” and celebrates her son’s accomplishments with hashtags like #Martel and #NOLEGS.

Living in Nuyaka, Oklahoma, Kim embraces her role not only as a mother but also as a supporter who amplifies Joe’s inspiring story.

Her encouragement has been vital in helping him embrace his identity as both an athlete and a role model.

Through every challenge, Kim has reminded her son—and others—that obstacles can be transformed into strengths.

Joe G. Martel Jr., who lives in Beggs, Oklahoma, has been equally instrumental in shaping his son’s mindset.

From discussing football strategies to encouraging Joe to play without prosthetics when it gave him better leverage, Joe Jr. has guided his son’s athletic journey with thoughtful support.

“Either way he goes, he’ll be tough,” Joe Jr. said in an interview.

The role of Joe Martel III’s parents goes beyond ordinary support.

They not only nurtured him through medical challenges but also instilled in him the resilience and confidence that drive his success today.

Their belief in his abilities helped Joe transform from a child with uncertain possibilities to a celebrated high school athlete and now a popular TikTok creator who inspires others daily.

Kim and Joe Jr. embody the strength, encouragement, and unconditional love that every parent hopes to provide.

Their faith in their son has made Joe Martel III not only a trailblazer in Oklahoma sports history but also a symbol of perseverance for people everywhere.

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