| On Thursday, April 21, 2005, we buried a true NFL | | | | with the research. I will continue to sell the |
| warrior who was an inspiration off the field and | | | | bracelets in the memory of Sam Mills. I hope this |
| onthe field. | | | | will help others. I pray for you everyday." |
| The man? Sam Mills, #51. | | | | Sam battled the cancer hard. He once gave a |
| The Monday before, Sam lost a 2 year battle | | | | news conference the day after a round of |
| with intestinal cancer. Not only did he leave behind | | | | chemotherapy before the Super Bowl. As he |
| hiswife and 4 kids but he left, not 1, but 2 | | | | balanced himself on the podium, he said, "You |
| legacies. | | | | have your good days and your bad days. I am |
| 1st legacy-- Sam Mills was one of the hardest | | | | just glad I am having days, you know?" |
| hitting linebackers in the USFL and the NFL. But he | | | | From someone who witnessed Sam Mills' courage |
| spent his career proving that his undersized | | | | "I met Mr. Mills as we were both receiving |
| 5-foot-9 frame wasn't going to keep him from | | | | chemotherapy last year at CHOA. I specifically |
| being one of pro football's best. | | | | remember him speaking to a young man who |
| Not only was Mills a 5-time Pro Bowl linbacker but | | | | was also receiving chemo and was so impressed |
| he holds the distiction of being the only player in | | | | with his attitude toward the young man. I had no |
| the Carolina Panthers Hall of Fame. | | | | idea he wasn't doing well. He was an extremely |
| Add to that: A member of both the New Jersey | | | | kind person and meeting him under horrific |
| and Louisiana Sports Halls of Fame, as well as, a | | | | circumstances is definitely 'bitter-sweet.' "Cindy |
| statue of Mills outside the Bank of America | | | | Helder |
| Stadium with the inscription "Leader and | | | | Although his football nickname was "Field Mouse", |
| Gentleman." | | | | Sam was a giant at heart. Everyone was |
| Sam Mills' former coach, Dom Capers | | | | someone to Sam Mills. |
| "Sam Mills was not only one of the finest football | | | | From a friend of Sam Mills |
| players that I have ever been around, but above | | | | "Sam, you always called me by name. You told |
| and beyond that, he was one of the finest | | | | me I wasn't just a fan but a friend that meant so |
| individuals." | | | | much. Thanks for the friendship, the smiles, the |
| And, the 2nd legacy of Sam Mills? | | | | encouragement. Because of you I will "Keep |
| Sam, along with fellow Carolina linebacker Mark | | | | Pounding". We miss you."Flight Attendant/Golf |
| Fields, who was likewise diagnosed with cancer in | | | | caddy Jacque' kendall |
| 2003, established the KEEP POUNDING fund. | | | | Personally, I came to know Sam Mills when I |
| The campaign raised more than $211,000 for local | | | | watched him, at least twice a year, play against |
| research at Blumenthal Cancer Center by selling | | | | my beloved San Francisco 49ers. |
| $1 wristbands that bear Mills' slogan "Keep | | | | Even though he was on the 'other team', I |
| Pounding." | | | | marveled at his leadership and courage on the |
| From a fan and admirer of Sam Mills | | | | field. I admit---I secretly wished "we" had him on |
| "I am Austin Wright and I am 10 years old. I | | | | "our" team. |
| began selling Keep Pounding bracelets in honor of | | | | Rest in Peace #51 |
| my friend Jody Rodgers in the fall. I sold over 200 | | | | ---Keep Pounding Fund, c/o Carolinas HealthCare |
| bracelets for the foundation, and I hope it helps | | | | Foundation, P.O. Box 32861, Charlotte, NC 28232. |