Football stars find unexpected heroes (Jason went home from the hospital today)

[Omaha Steve]

Jason picture didn't make the paper. :-( But he did go home today. :-)

http://www.omaha.com/article/20100707/NEWS02/707079920

By Chad Purcell
WORLD-HERALD STAFF WRITER

Some of them haven't played football for years, while some of them still star on Sundays.

No matter. All of them have a way of lighting up a room, and Danny Noonan said that's the whole point.

For the fifth straight year, Noonan organized a group of football standouts to make the rounds at Children's Hospital & Medical Center in Omaha. Noonan and his five famous guests circled the sixth floor at Children's on Tuesday afternoon, signing autographs and chatting with kids, family members and visitors.

“It's fun, and it's cool,” said Waverle Monroe, 16, of Omaha. “I'm not really the biggest football fan, but it's just cool to have people take time out and come in here to visit people who are sick or not doing too well.”
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Noonan's group this year featured former Nebraska Cornhuskers Eric Crouch, Jason Peter and Chris Kelsay. Chris Bober, the University of Nebraska at Omaha offensive lineman who went on to the National Football League, also took part. So, too, did Paul Posluszny, a linebacker out of Penn State who now is Kelsay's teammate with the NFL's Buffalo Bills.

The group handed out pictures and signed miniature footballs. One 11-month-old boy couldn't keep his grip on the souvenir, fumbling the pint-sized pigskin to the floor.

“Just like Crouch,” Peter joked, making everybody packed inside the boy's hospital room erupt in laughter.

“I have five kids of my own,” said Noonan, an All-America defensive tackle with the Huskers who retired from the National Football League in 1993. “So over the years, I've had experience coming to Children's, and they just do a phenomenal job. To have a child who is sick, that puts so much stress on a family. I think getting their mind off of that, even for just a few minutes, can be a really good thing.”

FULL story and photos at link.

[Octafish]

1. Great news!

Happy, too!

All the best to Jason, You and Yours!

[grantcart]

2. For those who missed the earlier thread Jason, Omaha Steve's grandson

was visited by the players.

[emilyg]

3. Happy news.

[Brickbat]

4. As a former Omahan, and huge Husker fan,

all I can say is WOW! I LOVED Danny Noonan back in the day. I'm so impressed with what he's doing.

Sending you and your grandson healing thoughts, brother.

[JohnnyLib2]

5. Glad he's gone home.

Great story..... :thumbsup:

[Omaha Steve]

6. Kick

[w8liftinglady]

7. Great-steven-there's something to focus good luck on your way :)

I'm so glad for your grandkid...and you guys!

[Mudoria]

8. One thing I'd like point out is

That scenes like this happen with sports figures almost daily but the vast majority never make the news. Too many times the public takes the morons that inhabit sports, like Ben Roethlisberger or Michael Vick, and stereotype athletes as all bad guys. They do a lot for charity and in cases like this lifting the hearts of children who face a tough time in their lives.

I'm glad your Grandson is feeling better too!

[ceile]

9. Terrific news!

:toast: