(S2) - Weekend PT #6 - Childhood Hero

[SwagSloth]

As a young fan of the 2000’s era New Orleans Saints, Eric Kennedy always looked up to team running back Deuce McAllister. The store struggled during Deuce’s early years, but Kennedy was proud of his home team and the adversity that Deuce and his teammates faced on the field taught the boy the importance of persistence and refusing to give up. Finally, in 2006, after the city itself was tested by the wraith of Hurricane Katrina, the young saw his favorite team inspire a city as they put together a 10-6 season and even faced the Chicago Bears for the NFC Championship, a game that they ultimately lost. But just as the team’s historic season brought new life back to the city that hosted them, it also touched the heart of a young boy, who watched his hero help lead the team into a new era and prove that anything is possible. Over those final years, Kennedy eventually did meet his hero at an autograph signing, which did not disappoint. It inspired the boy to truly go after his dream of one day making it onto the field himself. Unfortunately, Deuce was cut in early 2009, just as the Saints prepared to achieve their first Super Bowl season. His 30’s loomed around the corner and, as it did for many Running Backs, it spelled the end for his career on the field, his many drives and hits finally taking their toll. But Kennedy got to see his hero finally get the recognition that he had fought for over so many years as the Saints brought him back as an honorary team captain for Super Bowl XLIV, where they defied the odds and became Super Bowl champions for the first time. Perhaps compared to some other heroes, it wasn’t the great moment the young boy had envisioned for, but Deuce didn’t just win the boy’s heart with feats of greatness. He taught him integrity, determination, and teamwork, all characteristics that earned him a spot on the team that glorious day when the Saints finally achieved the impossible and took their place in history.

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