John Cappelletti’s Heisman Trophy Speech

InspiredON by Family — Usually it’s the top athletes who inspire boys to dream big dreams of being the star on the field and doing great things. This story flips that notion upside down. This time it’s an 11-year-old boy, stricken with cancer, who inspired his older brother, Heisman Trophy winner John Cappelletti. In 1973, in one of the most moving speeches in the history of college football’s top award, the Penn State running back dedicated the trophy to his 11-year-old brother, Joey, who was battling leukemia. What follows are some excerpts from his acceptance speech that night, and a video highlight of the evening.

John Cappelletti, from direct transcripts of the speech:

“My mother and my father, there isn’t a greater couple around. Continue reading “John Cappelletti’s Heisman Trophy Speech”

A Gift of Life

InspiredON by Family — On a day in which star San Diego Chargers running back Ladainian Tomlinson scored two rushing touchdowns to move into third place on the all-time TD list, and on the same day surpass Pittsburgh’s Franco Harris and Buffalo’s Thurman Thomas to move into 12th place on the NFL’s all-time rushing list, something interesting happened before Tomlinson set foot on the field. It was a gift from his wife, LaTorsha, that served as a source of inspiration. Read all the details in Fanhouse senior NFL writer Nancy Gay’s captivating story: Unexpected Gift Rejuvenates Tomlinson.