By making it to the NFL, Atlanta Falcons defensive end Takkarist McKinley kept a pledge he made in high school to his grandmother moments before she passed away.
The work Hall of Fame quarterback Dan Marino has done for autism has helped a young man in Miami who works at Hard Rock Stadium.
Every year, each NFL team selects a player for the Ed Block Courage Award, an honor bestowed on a player who serves as a role model of inspiration, sportsmanship, and courage. Pittsburgh Steelers cornerback Artie Burns was chosen by teammates to receive the award because of how he handles things at home following the death of his mother two years ago. Monday Night Countdown reporter, Michelle Beisner-Buck sat down with Burns to discuss how the 22-year-old keeps a handle on football and family.
At 19, Amobi Okoye became youngest player drafted in NFL history as the Texans No. 10 pick in the 2007 draft. Now Okoye wants to become the first player to beat encephalitis.
Seattle Seahawks defensive end Michael Bennett is a powerful voice against social justice. Bennett also uses his platform to help juvenile's in the criminal justice system.
Will Witherspoon played LB in the NFL for the Panthers, Rams, Eagles and Titans. Today, he's a farmer in Missouri pushing the benefits of local farms and farm fresh foods.
Sam Gado was nine when he immigrated from Nigeria to the U.S. He was 13 when he started playing football. At 27 he retired to become an ear, throat and nose doctor.
The Broncos' Assistant Turf Manager Luke Kellerman's two-year battle with colorectal cancer started a movement within the organization to recognize and honor all cancer survivors.
Philadelphia Eagles defensive end Chris Long took a life-changing trip to Tanzania in 2013. During his time in East Africa, his eyes were opened to the global water crisis. As a result, Chris founded "The Waterboys" to help bring clean water to Tanzania.
When he played for the Patriots, Titans CB Logan Ryan adopted a shelter dog named, Leo. The joy Leo brought to his household led Ryan to start a campaign to save shelter dogs.
Brittney Harmon gave her dad a special present on her wedding day. So when it came time for the father-daughter dance, Brittney slipped into a blue Chicago Bears gown.
Former NFL coach Marty Schottenheimer is facing the toughest opponent of his life. There is no game plan for the onset of Alzheimer's. But Schottenheimer is not giving up.
After signing as free agent with Buffalo this summer, Anquan Boldin was disturbed by the violence in Charlottesville. So he decided to retire and focus on humanitarian causes.
Lions DE Ziggy Ansah is from Ghana. He never played football until walking on at BYU. He turned into a 1st-round pick. This summer Ansah held his first football camp at home.
Bill Johnston worked for the Chargers for 38 years. When the team moved to L.A., the PR Director elected to stay behind to help his wife, who is battling Huntington's Disease.
Comedian Kevin Hart gets serious when it comes to fitness. Hart sat down with Chris Connelly and discussed his passion for motivating others to live healthier lifestyles.
Brett Okamoto explores Conor McGregor the man, the person behind the persona, the working-class hero of Dublin. Wright Thompson and Ryen Russillo offer their insight, too.
The array of punishments in the world of fantasy sports covers the absurd, painful, humiliating and simply unspeakable. But that's what it takes for last place teams to avoid tanking. Matthew Berry tells us about the genesis of this trend and shares some of the most ridiculous punishments he's come across.
More than 250 high schools in Texas play six-man football. Chris Connelly tells the stories of two small-town teams hoping to make an impact on and off the field.
Since Jerry Jones purchased the Dallas Cowboys in 1989, he's exceeded expectations, except his own. He dreams big and builds even bigger. His legacy will include a bust in the Pro Football Hall of Fame in Canton, Ohio. Jim Trotter examines the business acumen of Mr. Jones.