ST.Steelers Rookie CB Misses Chargers Game After Family Tragedy — “He Raised Me When My Father Couldn’t”
The Pittsburgh Steelers will be without rookie cornerback Donte Kent for their Week 10 matchup against the Los Angeles Chargers, as the young defensive back has been granted leave following a heartbreaking family tragedy in
Louisville, Kentucky.
Kent’s uncle — a longtime worker at an industrial facility near the site of the UPS MD-11 cargo plane crash — was among those critically injured when the aircraft exploded shortly after takeoff from
Muhammad Ali International Airport earlier this week.
The crash, one of the deadliest in recent years, killed at least 14 people and injured more than a dozen others. The impact and fire destroyed several nearby warehouses and buildings, leaving families and first responders in shock across Louisville.
According to team officials, Donte Kent immediately requested to sit out this week’s game to return home and be with his uncle, whom he calls “the man who raised me when my dad couldn’t.”
“He raised me when my father couldn’t — he’s my second dad,” Kent said in an emotional statement. “I know my team needs me, but right now, he needs me more. I’m grateful to the organization for allowing me to be there for the man who’s always been there for me.”
Head coach Mike Tomlin fully supported Kent’s decision, emphasizing that football comes second to family. “There are moments when football doesn’t matter,” Tomlin said. “He’s exactly where he needs to be — with the people he loves. Our prayers are with Donte and everyone affected by this tragedy.”
Steelers teammates have rallied behind their rookie corner, sharing messages under the hashtag #PrayForDonte, while the organization has provided financial and emotional assistance to his family.
As Louisville continues to heal from the devastating crash,
Donte Kent’s story has become a poignant reminder of what truly matters beyond the game — that family and love will always mean more than football.
Broncos Cover Full Cancer Treatment for Franchise Hall of Fame Legend
Denver, CO — October 24, 2025
The Denver Broncos have announced they will cover all medical expenses for one of the most beloved legends in franchise history — a player whose leadership, toughness, and character came to define the golden age of Broncos football.
Team owner Rob Walton shared the heartfelt news in a statement that perfectly reflected the organization’s values of loyalty and gratitude toward its past heroes.
“He was the heart of our defense — and the heartbeat of this franchise,”
Walton said. “He gave everything for the orange and blue. Now it’s our turn to give everything for him. Once you’re part of this family, you’ll never walk alone.”
That promise was made to
Randy Gradishar, the Hall of Fame linebacker who stood at the center of the legendary “Orange Crush” defense, one of the most dominant units in NFL history. Revered for his intelligence, consistency, and relentless will, Gradishar was the ultimate leader — the mind, muscle, and soul of Denver’s defense during the 1970s and early 1980s.
Across 10 seasons (1974–1983), Gradishar started 141 of 145 games, recording an astounding 2,049 tackles — a franchise record that still stands. He added 20 interceptions, 4.5 sacks
, and earned 7 Pro Bowl and 5 First-Team All-Pro selections. In 1978, he was named the NFL Defensive Player of the Year, solidifying his reputation as the league’s premier inside linebacker.
Gradishar’s leadership elevated the Broncos to their first Super Bowl appearance in 1977, transforming the team’s identity and inspiring a generation of players who followed. Teammates described him as a “coach on the field,” a player who read offenses like a book and hit with unrelenting precision.
Fans called him the “Heart of the Defense,” not just for his play but for his humility, professionalism, and loyalty to Denver long after his retirement. His induction into the
Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2024 marked the culmination of decades of advocacy from Broncos Nation, who had never stopped believing their defensive anchor deserved the game’s highest honor.
Now, as Gradishar battles illness, the Broncos’ commitment to him serves as a powerful reminder of what the organization stands for. Across Denver, tributes have poured in from teammates, coaches, and fans who grew up idolizing #53.
For the city and the franchise, Randy Gradishar will always be more than a player — he’s the spirit of the Orange Crush, a Hall of Fame warrior, and the eternal symbol of what it means to bleed orange and blue.
