11 Heartwarming Pro Sports Stories

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At 7’1” tall, Baylor University sophomore Isaiah Austin was projected to rake in a guaranteed contract as a first round NBA selection. A pre-draft diagnosis of Marfan Syndrome ended his career before it started, but NBA commissioner Adam Silver still made Austin a ceremonial pick in the 2014 draft.

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Indianapolis Colts head coach Chuck Pagano recovered from a 2012 diagnosis of Leukemia to coach his team in 2012. In the interim, his team and the NFL launched the #ChuckStrong campaign and raised over $1.7 million for continued cancer research.

NBA point guard-turned-coach Maurice Cheeks rescued 13-year-old Natalie Gilbert from an embarrassing struggle-filled performance of the national anthem. As she forgot the words, Cheeks joined her and urged a packed arena to join in unison.

If you’re familiar with the 2009 film, The Blind Side, you know of Michael Oher’s story. The Tuohy family took adopted him, and he essentially went from homeless kid in Memphis, Tennessee to a pro athlete and New York Times bestselling author.

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Siri has nothing on Brian Gallagher. When ESPN anchor Stuart Scott missed his daughter’s soccer game while undergoing cancer treatment, Gallagher initiated a FaceTime call from the game so Scott could get the play by play.

Three weeks into the 2012 NFL season, Ravens’ wide receiver Torrey Smith learned his younger brother Tevin Smith died in a motorcycle accident. That same day, Smith caught six passes for 127 yards and two touchdowns in a 31-30 win over the New England Patriots.

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Jack Hoffman reeled off a 69-yard touchdown run during a 2013 intra squad scrimmage at the University of Nebraska. Did we mention Hoffman was only a seven years old? After surviving a brain tumor, Nebraska officials welcomed Hoffman on the field to root and score for his favorite football team.

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After having his college football career cut short by a spinal chord injury, the NFL’s Tampa Bay Buccaneers signed Tampa Bay defensive tackle Eric LeGrand as a symbolic gesture. Class act.

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In 1992, British sprinter Derek Redmond had his Olympic dreams dashed when a hamstring injury took him out of the 400-meter sprint. After attempting to hop to the finish line on his one good leg, Redmond’s father rushed through the stands and onto the track to help his son finish the race.

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Bethany Hamilton lost her left arm in a 2003 shark attack at the age of 13, and she still went on to become a professional surfer. Her story was later adapted into the movie Soul Surfer.

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Jason McElwain took home a 2006 ESPY Award for “The Best Moment In Sports” after netting a 20-point fourth quarter in his only high school game. Despite being diagnosed with Autism, “J-Mac” continues to shine. In September of 2014, he finished his first marathon.