If you haven't had the chance to check out Andy Bitter's article on Austin Cannon yet, I highly suggest you follow the link below. These 18-21 year old kids are thrown into a world where failure isn't an option and showing a weakness is frowned upon. Austin Cannon was able to push through advertisty (and a multitude of life-altering events) and now he plans on helping others do the same. We are lucky to have a player like Cannon.
Also, it was great to see how the folks in our oraganization rallied around him!
http://www.roanoke.com/hokies/sports/football/paying-it-forward-virginia...
Forums:
DISCLAIMER: Forum topics may not have been written or edited by The Key Play staff.
Comments
Wow, excellent article, and thanks for sharing the link. As a father who lost a son to suicide almost a year ago, Austin Cannon now has a new fan. Whether he makes it on the field or not, he's a true hero in my mind.
So sorry for your loss Cape...we lost our son 4 years ago in a car accident. Hit me up if u ever need an ear to unload on.
These two men, even though I have never met you will always have my respect for what you have both gone through. There are no words that can compare but I truly respect you both.
I'd buy one of those shirts if they're for sale or offered as a donation gift. I bet a lot of us would.
What a story. Makes the #bigsquat video even more exultant (and so cathartic). Good for him, and good for us to have him - and stick with him.
What a great article and an even better story. Makes you proud to be associated with a guy like that. Go Hokies.
Thanks for sharing. That's an awesome article. Glad to he gets a chance to find redemption in his story.
Excellent article and what a great young man. Very glad he is still around to help others.
Wouldn't mind his experience and how he's helping others being a weekly talking point for broadcasters during the season either.
A lot more athletes are bringing this to light as well. I know Demar Derozen of the Raptors is openly talking about the depression he has faced along with Isaiah Wilkins of UVA. These guys are doing a great job of defying the stigma that they are associated with.
I work in a school with 4th-6th graders who have experienced trauma. Everyday I work with them to help them understand the importance of acknowledging their feelings, naming their feelings, and talking through the thoughts and feelings in their heads. In some ways it's more difficult with the boys in the school because they adopt that "tough guy" attitude. This article reiterates the importance of overcoming stigma associated with mental health, and gives a shining example of what's possible when the stigma is dropped.
Austin, your impact is already immeasurable, simply by telling your story. Thank you.
I'm glad to have a guy of his character on our team, pulling for him. Based on his #BigSquatFriday video the kid is strong as a ox!
It is no surprise that Austin Cannon is aiming to help others when his name anagrams to Contains A Nun!
Watching Austin's performance on the line this last weekend against UNC, I had to find this article again. Unfortunately, the Roanoke times link is broken. Maybe because of Andy Bitter's departure (I hope not) but maybe because they just changed root server info. Regardless of why, I just really wanted to share and honor his story to others who may be suffering similar thoughts. Austin's is an amazing story of overcoming adversity and becoming an incredible HOKIE! We should never forget his accomplishments!!!