Last weekend the NFL held its yearly event in Radio City Music Hall in New York City. With seemingly no other sports on, or anything else for that matter, I regretfully kept ESPN on in the background. And then I heard two amazing stories, and kept up with a local connection.
First, Arron Curry, a linebacker from Wake Forest, was drafted fourth overall by the Seattle Seahawks. But that is not why I was drawn to the 22 year old Fayetteville native.
Curry, whose own family faced struggles while he was at Wake Forest, started off his pro career the right way. By giving back.
Curry brought a special guest with him to NYC, 12-year old Bryson Meriwether of Alabama. Meriwether's situation is special because he is a Leukemia patient at St. Jude's Hospital.
On a day where athletes are taking their first steps into professional football, a seemingly obvious look at me and what I've done moment, Curry was able to use his name to draw attention to something else.
“I want to help raise awareness for St. Jude’s Hospital in Memphis, they do so much for kids. When I was invited to the NFL draft the first thing that came to mind was how I can use this position to do something good for somebody,” said Curry.
Truly unique.
(AP photo)Arron Curry and Bryson Meriwether share a moment in New York City during NFL Draft weekend.
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This next situation is just as unique, but for a bad variety of reasons.
Michael Oher is now a offensive lineman for the Baltimore Ravens, drafted with the 23rd pick in the first round from Old Miss.
Oher was homeless for the most part of his life until he was 16, going from home to home of friends. He never knew his father, and his mother was a drug addict. A friend's father was able to help get Oher into Briarcest Christian School his junior year. Although Oher's grades did not meet standards, officials allowed him in on a one semester trial basis. Oher's grades would continue to rise.
During that junior year, Oher was spotted by a female classmate and her mother walking on the sidewalk with only shorts and a t-shirt on while it was snowing outside. Oher would continue to spend time with the family before they officially adopted him. Leigh Anne and Sean Tuohy became Oher's mother and father.
The entire Tuohy family was along side Oher on the stage at Radio City when he was selected. Great story.
(NY Times photo)Michael Oher, flanked by members of the Tuohy family.
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Finally, a local connection. Stantonsburg native Everette Brown was a standout at Wilson Beddingfield before playing at Florida State. The 21-year old defensive end was drafted by the home team, as the Panthers took him with their first pick of the draft early in the second round.
News from Panthers camp emerged that Julius Peppers, Spring Hope native and UNC standout, was a no show as mini camp began. That has Brown working with the second team.
As much as Peppers means to the franchise, if he goes, there may soon be another area player stepping into that defensive end position.
(Carolina Panthers / nfl.com photo)
Everette Brown was all smiles as he met the Charlotte media this week.
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