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Health & Fitness

Are Athletes Heroes?

This past Sunday I heard Curt Menefee say on the Fox NFL post game show, “Let’s throw it back to Erin who’s with a couple of hero’s from the 49er’s win today.” This struck a nerve with me, and prompted this week’s post on whether or not athletes are heroes.

I am an athlete and a coach who does not believe other athletes should be called heroes. It strikes a nerve with me when athletes are called heroes after a game, because we lose sight of who the real heroes are. A hero is defined as someone committing great or brave acts, and having fine qualities. I don’t think making the game-winning throw, catch, or kick defines someone as a hero. I have two cousins in the armed services that put their lives on the line to serve and protect our country. Those are the real hero’s. If you want to read about real heroism, pick up the book I just finished: Lone Survivor, the account of four Navy SEALS on a covert mission in Afghanistan. This book illustrates what real heroism is.

Can an athlete be a hero? Yes, but not by on the field actions. There are numerous stories and examples of athletes who give back to communities and do great things to help others out. 

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