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Life As A Cincinnati Bengal's Fan
I started to watch NFL football when I was 12 years old, it was 1992. The Cincinnati Bengal's where the local televised game for my area, this is how the loyalty began. The Bengal's fit exactly what I believed in when I was 12 years old, which was...
Overcome Sports Pain After 40 - Are Remedies Available? Part 2
Overcome Sports Pain After 40 - Are Remedies Available? Part 2
In Part 1 of this article we explored the desire of persons over forty to experience optimal health. Optimal health for most of us can be reflected in more active lifestyles.
Your...
Top Ten Reasons to get Satellite Radio
Over the years we’ve seen all areas of entertainment change and improve in many ways. We’ve seen more and more channels appear on satellite television, we’ve seen the appearance of CDs and DVDs, and now we have access to satellite radio to...
Where To Find 10 Fly Fishing Tips In A Single Paragraph
When looking for information on how to fly fish, fly fishing tips or fly fishing techniques, many anglers, or anglers to be,who limit their search to books or material written ithin the last few years or decades are short-changing themselves.
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Why Coach Soccer? And how to have fun doing it.
Why Coach Soccer? How to have fun doing it. Warren Buffet might not know soccer, but when he said, "Tell me your heroes and I'll tell you how your life will end up", he was onto something. When it comes to coaching, everyone wants a say but...
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Keep Pounding--In Honor of Sam Mills
On Thursday, April 21, 2005, we buried a true NFL warrior who was an inspiration off the field and on the field.
The man? Sam Mills, #51.
The Monday before, Sam lost a 2 year battle with intestinal cancer. Not only did he leave behind his wife and 4 kids but he left, not 1, but 2 legacies.
1st legacy-- Sam Mills was one of the hardest hitting linebackers in the USFL and the NFL. But he spent his career proving that his undersized 5-foot-9 frame wasn't going to keep him from being one of pro football's best.
Not only was Mills a 5-time Pro Bowl linbacker but he holds the distiction of being the only player in the Carolina Panthers Hall of Fame.
Add to that: A member of both the New Jersey and Louisiana Sports Halls of Fame, as well as, a statue of Mills outside the Bank of America Stadium with the inscription "Leader and Gentleman."
**Sam Mills' former coach, Dom Capers**
"Sam Mills was not only one of the finest football players that I have ever been around, but above and beyond that, he was one of the finest individuals."
And, the 2nd legacy of Sam Mills?
Sam, along with fellow Carolina linebacker Mark Fields, who was likewise diagnosed with cancer in 2003, established the KEEP POUNDING fund.
The campaign raised more than $211,000 for local research at Blumenthal Cancer Center by selling $1 wristbands that bear Mills' slogan "Keep Pounding."
**From a fan and admirer of Sam Mills**
"I am Austin Wright and I am 10 years old. I began selling Keep Pounding bracelets in honor of my friend Jody Rodgers in the fall. I sold over 200 bracelets for the foundation, and I hope it helps with the research. I will continue to sell the bracelets in the memory of Sam Mills. I hope this will help others. I pray for you everyday."
Sam battled the cancer hard. He once gave a news conference the day
after a round of chemotherapy before the Super Bowl. As he balanced himself on the podium, he said, "You have your good days and your bad days. I am just glad I am having days, you know?"
**From someone who witnessed Sam Mills' courage**
"I met Mr. Mills as we were both receiving chemotherapy last year at CHOA. I specifically remember him speaking to a young man who was also receiving chemo and was so impressed with his attitude toward the young man. I had no idea he wasn't doing well. He was an extremely kind person and meeting him under horrific circumstances is definitely 'bitter-sweet.' " Cindy Helder
Although his football nickname was "Field Mouse", Sam was a giant at heart. Everyone was someone to Sam Mills.
**From a friend of Sam Mills**
"Sam, you always called me by name. You told me I wasn't just a fan but a friend that meant so much. Thanks for the friendship, the smiles, the encouragement. Because of you I will "Keep Pounding". We miss you." Flight Attendant/Golf caddy Jacque' kendall
Personally, I came to know Sam Mills when I watched him, at least twice a year, play against my beloved San Francisco 49ers.
Even though he was on the 'other team', I marveled at his leadership and courage on the field. I admit---I secretly wished "we" had him on "our" team.
Rest in Peace #51
--- Keep Pounding Fund, c/o Carolinas HealthCare Foundation, P.O. Box 32861, Charlotte, NC 28232.
On-line gifts can be made through the Web site at: http://www.givechf.org.
About the Author
----------------------------------------------------- Ronnie Kimball is a co-publisher of REACH HIGHER, The Good NewsLetter. To get the Good NewsLetter and hear samples of Ronnie's CD, REACH HIGHER, go to: http://www.reachhigher.com
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