Georgia QB Aaron Murray's Father's Cancer a Reminder That 'It's Just Football'

There are times during the season when we are reminded that "it's only football."

Today is one of those days.

Georgia quarterback Aaron Murray has much more important things to deal with than getting his team back on track after losing to South Carolina last weekend.

According to the Atlanta Journal-Constitution, Murray's father is undergoing surgery on Monday to remove thyroid cancer that was diagnosed a few weeks ago. 

Murray asked fans for prayers on his Twitter page on Sunday night.

"

Probably the worst 12 hours of my life but I know my family will push through. Keep my dad in your prayers please

— Aaron Murray (@aaronmurray11) October 7, 2012"

Murray wasn't told of his father's diagnosis until Sunday and drove to Florida to be with his father, according to the report.

Murray commented further on the situation on Monday morning.

"

Papa Murray is the strongest man I know. This morning is the first step to recovery. Praying God looks over him and the surgeons

— Aaron Murray (@aaronmurray11) October 8, 2012"

His personal issues put that 35-7 loss to South Carolina on Saturday night into perspective.

It's just football.

Murray didn't have a great game against the Gamecocks, completing 11 of 31 passes for 109 yards, zero touchdowns and one interception. However, the loss wasn't all on him. Georgia's offensive line only gave up two sacks, but didn't exactly give Murray a lot of time in the pocket.

That performance caused someone to egg and roll Murray and linebacker Christian Robinson's house with toilet paper, according to the AJC.

That kind of reaction under any circumstances is unacceptable.

Georgia's poor performance against the Gamecocks doesn't seem like such a big deal now, though.

The well-being of friends and family takes precedent over football, even SEC football. 

Follow @BarrettSallee