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Rivals.com College Football - LSU’s Black proves kindness goes a long way

There is a lot of negative press about athletes these days. There seems to be no shortage of stories about the wrong athletes, professional or amateur, find themselves involved in. Things like violence, cheating (steroids or academic), and other behavior issues are lead articles in newspapers across the country. Very seldom do you hear the story of all of the good kids who do things to help others without seeking any attention or fame.

Of course, their are the photo ops that all athletes are apart of. Public Relations people seem to get them special visits at the local children’s hospital where the big game is being played. It really is a good thing to do. It helps the athletes understand the power that their very presence represent. When a “somebody” comes and visits a sick child, or someone who is struggling in a homeless shelter or an elderly member of our society, it opens a new world up to both the visitor and the visitee.

That’s what makes the article referenced above so unique. Ciron Black sought out a young patient at St. Jude Children’s Hospital in Memphis, TN without the help of the Media Relations Department at LSU where Black is a Offensive Lineman for the Tigers. He admired the young patient’s resolve in the midst of great suffering. He simply wanted to let him know that he was pulling for him. What’s more, Black asked to write “Mickey,” the young patient’s name, on the tape he puts on his wrists when plays in the National Title Game Monday night.

It is the desire of this site, to honor college football players who exhibit more than just prowess on the football field. I have even dreamed of an award for such a player. I also believe that several players should be honored during a football season. Ciron Black serves as an example of the kind of football player which should receive such an award. Black is interested in more than just the next “pancake” block on the football field. He is interested in making a difference off the field.

No such award exists this year at collegefootballtopten.com, but if it did, you can bet that Ciron Black would be a nominee. However, next year I would like to begin this award. A good format would be for nominees to be featured each week of the season culminating with the winner just before the first bowl game. Further, I would like the award winner be voted on by readers of this site from among the nominees. Nominees would be accepted by readers as well. I would like all regions of the country to be represented. There are enough conferences in the Bowl Subdivision that each conference could have at least one nominee.

As for Black, he is a role model for all athletes, not just football players. And come Monday night, whether you are rooting for Ohio State or LSU, you might just cheer for Ciron Black. And everybody, will be cheering for “Mickey” and all of the kids at St. Jude Children’s Hospital.