Minnesota Vikings' Kenechi Udeze Embodies Courage, Perseverance

Ladies and gentlemen, I give you Kenechi Udeze.

It would be a complete understatement to say Kenechi Udeze's experience in the NFL—entering as an all-American from USC—has been extremely different than most. 

Udeze was a first round pick by the Minnesota Vikings in the 2004 NFL Draft.

He had an extremely successful first few years in the league, becoming full time starter beginning his rookie year. He was every Vikings fan's favorite and was productive on the field, and a star off the field. Everything had been going great for him.

Until Feb. 11, 2008.

On that date close to a year ago, Udeze's life changed forever. He was diagnosed with a rare form of acute leukemia that requires a lot of treatment, including a bone marrow transplant from his brother.

After working on regaining his health last offseason, he was put on Injured Reserve for this past season. He knew he wouldn't be playing in 2008, but hoped—and vowed—he'd be back in the Metrodome again.

Now, after losing 50 pounds in the past year, Jan. 26 has become another day Udeze and his loved ones will remember forever. Yesterday, he publicly announced that he hopes—and plan—to return to playing football once again.             

"My goal is when the team gets back together, I'll be in my jersey and on the sideline with them."

Unbelievable. 

He has a few months before offseason training begins to make sure his health is in perfect condition for football, and I know you're with me when I say I can't wait until Sept. 6, 2009—opening weekend of the NFL. 

After getting back on the practice field and playing in the preseason, that date will be the next to have major significance for Kenechi Udeze—and for anyone who has hope. 

Udeze is a true hero for all. What he is in the process of doing gives hope and courage too all. He's not just another example of someone who is "never giving up," he is a strong believer in "getting anything he puts his heart into."

When this news came out, I was so excited for him. As a Vikings fan, I was ecstatic that he will play for us again.

As a sports fan, I was happy that he was getting back to doing what he loved. But as a person, I was truly touched with his story, admired with what he went through, and encouraged to do anything I wanted.

I think it's safe to say that I can comfortably announce Udeze as the best respresentative of being the "Purple Trojan"—truly a hero in all of our books.