On Saturday I watched the NFL draft with my number one draft pick – my husband. We actually DVR’d it because we were gone when it came on. My baby surprised me with a movie (we saw Obsessed and it was FANTASTIC!), and afterwards we enjoyed sushi, strawberries dipped in chocolate, wine actually it was sparkling grape juice because we don’t drink, the most delicious cheesecake and the house to ourselves for several hours. It was wonderful!!!
At any rate, I actually enjoyed watching the draft; not only because I get to spend some time with my husband, doing something that he enjoys more than life itself, but because I love hearing the stories behind the players. Like many of the previous drafts, this year’s draft featured many players who come from single parent and blended homes and homes without fathers. I was amazed when I heard what these young men had overcome, their positive attitudes despite their circumstances and their caring hearts. One of my favorites this year is the newest Seattle Seahawk, Aaron Curry.
Born April 6, 1986 in Fayetteville, North Carolina, Curry was drafted fourth overall by the Seattle Seahawks as a linebacker. After watching the tears in his eyes while he gave a hug to his little friend, lukemia patient, Bryson Merriweather, I could tell that this was a very special day for both of them. Immediately, I fell in love with Mr. Curry!
Curry had known Bryson for a mere 10 days, but it looked like they were long-time friends. When Curry found out that he was going to the draft, he called St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital in Memphis to see if any of the kids might want to accompany him and Bryson’s story captured his heart.
The 12 year old was at football practice one afternoon and was having trouble breathing. His mother took him to the doctor thinking it was asthma, but the doctor informed her that it was lukemia. She said that football actually saved his life.
Aaron Curry with 12 year old lukemia patient, Bryson Merriweather
Because Curry grew up in a rough area of Fayetteville, North Carolina and had minimal contact with his father – his father is former Detroit Lions, Reggie Pinkney, he felt the same way about football.
“It kept me off the streets, allowed me to get a great education, and always gave me a place to cope with my frustrations,” Curry said. “Without football, there was no way I was going to be able to manage some of the things that I went through.”
A likely match, Bryson and Curry flew to New York on Wednesday. They enjoyed a private tour of the Empire State Building, lunch at ESPN Zone, video games and of course, the draft on Saturday. It was the first time in New York City for both Curry and Bryson and clearly a time in their lives that neither would forget.
Curry was raised with his two older brothers by his mother, Chris Curry. He has had a minimal relationship with his father, former Detroit Lions and Baltimore Colts defensive back, Reggie Pinkney. And it looks like Ms. Chris Curry did an EXCELLENT job with this young man despite minimal contact with his father.
Aaron Curry's father, Reggie Pinkney
WE LOVE AARON CURRY! His heart, positive attitude, and strength should be not only admired, but celebrated. Often times athletes get a bad wrap, but Aaron Curry proves that SOME are really caring, compassionate citizens of this world who desire to give back. BFSO salutes Aaron Curry!
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I love this article! Great post! You know, we sports parents are often critized, at least I have been in the past (co-workers, etc.) that we spend too much money on club sports, etc. for our children. I do have to say that I grew up in a pretty rough environment in a rough inner-city and sports was an outlet for a lot of the young children I grew up with. My son plays high-level travel soccer and it is expensive and gets more expensive as he gets older. My philosophy is as I always heard growing up from elders….”An idle mind is the Devil’s workshop.” My son works hard in school, makes fabulous grades and happens to have a passion for a sport that he excels at. I feel it is my duty to help him achieve his goals by doing whatever it takes. So, we make sacrifices to do so.
Aaron Curry is a great example of passion, pride and humbleness!
Thanks for the great post, Kela!
Di
I agree, Di! It is imperative to keep your child’s mind occupied as well as teaching that life is not all about the particular sport that they play; meaning, if you excel at a sport, that’s wonderful, but you also have to keep your grades up, remain humble and never forget to give back! I know from experience;my father-in-law was an NBA basketball player and my ex is a professiona basketball player as well, how easy it is to lose yourself when fame becomes bigger than you. It is important that we teach our young men that being great at a sport is not your identity and there are many more parts to that whole that you need in order to make you a well-rounded individual. Aaron Curry is a perfect example of a well-rounded individual who just happens to be great at football. Additionally, isn’t it great that people like your son can look at him as an example?? I LOVE AARON CURRY!
Stay tuned for more of my athlete feel good stories during NFL week on BFSO.
Warmly,
*Kela*
INDEED!!!! What a great example Mr. Curry is setting for all young men and women who are able to accomplish their dreams and goals. He is proving that just because you have money and fame doesn’t mean that “life” for others stops happening but with that he knows there is a greater good working if he can make someone’s life happier by being in it or sharing his accomplishments as he did with the young man in the story.
With all the negative press these days about our athletes and their mishaps and problem, Mr. Curry is an absolute inspiration!!!!
Di
Its wonderful we have freedom of speech in America, it allows people to speak their minds even if what they say isnt the truth. Great article of what Aaron is doing with and for this young man. His father,(whom I must defend) though mentioned to be an absentee, though not perfect(as we all aren’t)also mentored and taught Aaron and his brothers(and yes his mom to)the etiquette of football and community interaction. Here is the truth Mr. Pinkney is very involved in the life of his son and sons. He invested is time to attend Aarons games at school and college. He also coached his sons in their summer sporting events which included Aaron. When you see Aaron (personality)you see his father. The apple doesn’t fall from the tree. His mom is a great mom. Known her many years. Please next time you blog any epcerts where you need to mention Mr. Pinkney and his position as this young mans father, make sure annotate the real truth about the character, and pursuance of involvement in his son life.
Thanks for your response, Mr. or Mrs. Simmons. I really do appreciate it, and I appreciate you correcting some of what was written. I don’t know much about Mr. Pinkney at all and would hate to knowingly spread things that are untrue about him and his relationship with his sons. Although I did not speak with Aaron or Mr. Pinkney directly, I did do some research on them both, and discovered that many stories about him [Mr. Pinkney] indicate that he was uninvolved. That being said, I know how the media can be AND I know how sometimes words may be said out of anger or simply not knowing the truth (especially when it comes to the blended family). I NEVER want to contribute to such things. Many times people complain about what the media reveals, but are unwilling to share their side of the story – the alleged truth. As such, I would be honored and would love the opportunity to tell the real story about Mr. Pinkney. If you, him and/or Aaron would be willing to share your story, I would certainly print a retraction to the original article. Additionally, it may help many children of blended families to see both sides of the story.
Thanks so much for even taking the time to read BFSO, let alone voice your concerns. I can be reached at kela@blendedfamilysoapopera.com, if you’re interested in telling your side of the story.
Warmly,
*Kela*
Founder and Editor-in-Chief