Mike Anthony: Stroke survivor and new father Eli Thomas finds value in life-changing year and joy in remaining with the UConn football team

[huskymedic]

Mike Anthony: Stroke survivor and new father Eli Thomas finds value in life-changing year and joy in remaining with the UConn football team

(For those in article count jail < here)

>>Don’t find yourself with much to celebrate these days as a UConn football fan? Remember that the scoreboard, the standings and even the murky future of the program can take a back seat to something more meaningful.

As a member of the program before, during and after the fight of his life, Thomas has done what every student-athlete should set out to accomplish. He has established a foundation for the rest of his life and found perspective that has brought joy he once thought could only be found by delivering a crunching tackle.<<

>>“I live through the kids on the team,” he said. “I just tell them, ‘Get me a good hit so I can feel it.’ Maybe, mentally, this can help me a little bit but it’s not even about me anymore, it’s about the team. I came here to win. I’m trying to get my team to win. That’s my only goal. Everybody has a role on the team, whether it’s the development squad or the people in the cafeteria. My role is just as important as a starter’s.”<<

 

[PackTheRent]

Great article and a happy outcome to a dangerous situation. Good for him

 

[Purple Stein]

This has to have been an impossible year for him — I hope he knows the impact he has in reminding us of our ideals.

 

[gioff2323]

You read it and you think all the b1tching and moaning here might hit pause for a day or 2 and gain some perspective ..... and then you move to the next thread.

 

[PopcornHatKid]

I wrote this on Twitter, but would be really cool to see him wear #6 this weekend. Everything he has overcome, in the spirit in which he has done it, has been super inspiring. Being able to represent #6, on the anniversary of JH's death on the day they honor the '09 team, would be special.

 

[uconndogs]

You read it and you think all the b1tching and moaning here might hit pause for a day or 2 and gain some perspective ..... and then you move to the next thread.

You are exactly right!

While I understand the frustration, I don't really get the incessant harping and complaining. To what end? What does it accomplish other than creating negative feelings and energy?

Then you read about a kid like this, and what he has overcome, and it provides a whole new level of perspective.

 

[uconnell]

Beautiful Eli, you are such an inspiration. God bless you and your family.