NFL power rankings: Breaking down the four tiers of teams this preseason
From teams vying for the No. 1 pick to those with Super Bowl hopes, Mackenzie Salmon breaks down the four tiers of teams in this year’s first edition of our NFL power rankings.
USA TODAY
CANTON, Ohio — A devastating injury almost cost Bryant Young his career … and his leg.
The pain the Pro Football Hall of Fame defensive tackle suffered that day was nothing compared to the pain he and his family experienced years later.
Young spoke of his late son Colby during Saturday’s enshrinement ceremony. Colby Young died of pediatric cancer at age 15 in 2016.
“Colby loved life and had an infectious smile,” Bryant Young said. “He had many interests, including football. He was a happy kid.”
Colby was starting to have headaches in the fall of 2014. A CAT scan revealed a brain tumor.
Five days later, surgeons removed Colby’s tumor.
“They told us it was cancer,” Young said.
Despite the grim news, Colby was in high spirits when he returned to school a week later. Young said he had the heart of lion.
More from Pro Football Hall of Fame: Sam Mills’ family keeps pounding at Pro Football Hall of Fame ceremony
Sign up for our NFL newsletter: All the NFL news you need to know delivered right to you!
Colby underwent intense treatments. His family felt encouraged when he started to feel well.
The following fall, Colby said he had another headache. The cancer was back.
“It spread too far too fast,” Young said. “Colby sensed where things were heading and had questions. He didn’t fear death as much as the process of dying. Would it be painful? Would he be remembered?”
Young assured his son he would keep his memory alive. He did it again during his enshrinement speech.
“Colby … ,” Young said as he choked back tears. “You live on in our hearts. We will always speak your name.”
Reach Mike at mike.popovich@cantonrep.com or on Twitter: @mpopovichREP
