May 15, 2009

Send Mark a word of encouragement

One day after disclosing that he is suffering from Ewing's Sarcoma, a form of cancer, Boston College linebacker Mark Herzlich spoke with anchor Rece Davis on ESPN's College Football Live show Friday afternoon. The following is an excerpt from Herzlich's interview:

"It's interesting, when you play at college football at such a high level, it starts to become a big part of your life. One thing that I've really realized is that there's more to life, obviously, than football, more than I had realized. Your health, and just being able to be with your family for a number of years past football, is more important. I really have received a ton of support through my football fans and my football following, and my football family at Boston College, and that's important, the prayers have really meant a lot to me.

"Right away, obviously, I talked to the coaches at Boston College. Coach Spaziani has been very helpful. I've basically heard from everyone I know, and a lot of people I haven't known. It's been nice. A lot of people who have had this type of illness before and have fought it have really reached out and made themselves a resource. I've had many people sharing their prayers with me. Obviously, God is on my team. Our players, our former players in the NFL, a lot of guys have done a great job with that.

"It's something that is devastation, but also an opportunity. I was able to guide kids in work ethic while I was on the field, and now, there have been a lot of people going through this who have been alone. Hopefully I can be an outlet or a resource for other kids or teens who are experiencing something like this, or anyone who has had a stumbling block in their life, that will completely change the course of your life and your thoughts on life in a split second.

"Coach Spaziani and I have been through a lot together. It was a shock, and he was just as much in shock as I was, but he's been very supportive and really wanted me to push to be as good a man as I had always been, and really take this and use it in a positive way to affect other people as well."