Choosing family first means everything

As NFL teams began arriving for training camp this season, some players decided to opt-out of playing due to concerns related to the COVID-19 virus.

From a personal standpoint, I respect a players’ decision to the utmost degree. I have always been taught as a man, one of your biggest priorities is too protect and provide for your family.

Unlike the NBA, the NFL has not placed any strict protocols on how to prevent players from contracting the virus. Preseason has been canceled and training camps have been altered, and players continue to contract the virus. The Buffalo Bills ended their rookie minicamp after a fifth person tested positive.

Seattle Seahawks quarterback Russell Wilson and New Orleans Saints wide receiver Michael Thomas have expressed outrage via Twitter at the league’s lack of safety guidelines.

The NFL ruled that players who opt-out of playing in 2020 will receive a stipend of $150,000 for the season, while players with a history of serious medic a l i s s ue s such as cancer or sickle cell anemia will receive a $350,000 stipend, if they opt-out.

One player who decided to take the option is Philadelphia Eagles wide receiver Marquise Goodwin, who grew up in Rowlett. After winning seven state championships in track and field in the Dallas suburbs, Goodwin took his talents to the University of Texas. During his time with the Longhorns, he won two national championships in the long jump and played wide receiver for the Longhorns.

His most memorable moment came in 2009 when he scored the game winning touchdown against the Oklahoma Sooners. Goodwin left track behind to pursue a football career and was drafted in the third round by the Buffalo Bills in 2013.

What I remember most about Goodwin is the heartbreaking game he had as a 49er against the Giants in 2017. C.J. Beathard threw an 83-yard touchdown pass to Goodwin early in the game. Goodwin blew a kiss to the sky before he scored, then dropped to his knees in the endzone and cried. His teammates rushed to comfort him knowing about the death of his newborn, who was born prematurely hours earlier.

It was by far one of the most tear-jerking moments ever seen in sports. The 49ers beat the New York Giants that day to earn their first win of that season.

Tragedy struck again in 2018 as Goodwin missed two games after he and his wife, Morgan Goodwin-Snow, lost their unborn twin boys due to a miscarriage.

On Feb. 19, 2020, Goodwin and his wife welcomed their daughter, Marae.

In a video posted to his YouTube channel, with his daughter Marae, Goodwin explained his reasoning for choosing not to play football this season.

“She (his daughter) is the reason I’m opting out this season,” Goodwin said. “After choosing football so many times, I feel like I am inclined to make the right decision by finally choosing my family first. I won’t take the chance of experiencing another loss because of my selfish decision-making. It’s not something I am willing to live with.” While many have shown their support for Goodwin, Internet trolls have flooded his comment section with insulting descriptions like “so ft” and “quitter.”

By choosing to sit out this season, Goodwin has demonstrated a tremendous amount of integrity. He’s made the decision that the health of his infant daughter far outweighs the check earned from playing football.

Although I don’t have any children, I cannot fathom the thought of losing my firstborn and how much pain that would bring. Goodwin had three sons who he never had the opportunity to take home, so I commend him for taking all the precautionary steps to avoid experiencing a fourth loss.

At the end of the day, it doesn’t matter how much money a person has or how many material possessions they own. I feel that nothing in life should come before family. They’re the ones who are going to love you and have your back. Yes, our family members may get on our nerves from time to time, but we must cherish them while they’re here. I could become the richest man in the world today, but if I didn’t have my family by my side it would mean nothing to me.

Tomorrow is not promised to us. People of all ages, ethnicities, nationalities and races die every day. With all the craziness going on in today’s world, nobody knows what will happen next. Please tell your family members how much you love and appreciate them while you have breath in your body to do so.