January 24, 2014; Kapolei, HI, USA; Carolina Panthers assistant special teams coach Bruce DeHaven during the 2014 Pro Bowl practice at Kapolei High School. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
When special-teams coordinator Bruce DeHaven of the Carolina Panthers found out he had prostate cancer, he thought his time coaching was over. As David Newton of ESPN reported, DeHaven was preparing for what life after football would be like.
Now? DeHaven is getting prepared for the preseason opener against the Buffalo Bills on Friday. While he's fighting through cancer, it's apparently making his team want to fight for him as well.
"I know when a guy has to fight for his life and he still wants to coach, that's amazing," defensive end Mario Addison told ESPN. "Hell, we should get out there and fight for Bruce."
Even while the team is obviously concerned about DeHaven and his health, the coordinator simply wants the team to focus on playing.
"I don't think it's an issue for those guys. That's my problem," he said of fighting cancer. "The only thing those guys should be concerned about is what can I do to help make them better players and win ballgames."
DeHaven deserves a massive amount of respect for still fighting and doing what he loves. Here's to wishing DeHaven the best through his battle.
(h/t ESPN)
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