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The original was posted on /r/cfb by /u/PeasantPotatoBoi on 2023-09-02 14:40:19.
I make this post as a remembrance, a tribute, as well as a call to action.
Today is a special day. As the sun rises, so many teams gather around the country to kick off their first game of the season. A momentous day for the athletes that work year-round in pursuit of their dreams. Today, the Gordon family will be gathering together in weekly tradition to watch the Ohio State Buckeyes.
But for the first time, Sonny won’t be there with them.
Sonny was #7 on the OSU team from 1983-1986 playing the role of defensive back. He was an extremely driven player, with a professional approach to his play and dynamics within the team. He served as team co-captain in his senior year, (Warning: loud video) blocked a punt in the 1985 upset against #1 Iowa, and made his 7th interception as seen here in his 1986 year. He was extremely close to his teammates, and many would stay in contact for the rest of his life. This newspaper clipping is a fun insight into the team dynamics from the time.
Sonny was far more than just a great football player. Sonny was a leader off the field, a friend to everyone he came into contact with (SO much more chatty later in life than the newspaper above would have you believe – he had to talk to everyone & we loved him for it), a wise mentor, and the most excellent father and husband I have had the privilege to learn from. He was a bastion of positivity for the family and those around him.
He was tragically diagnosed with ALS two years ago, and passed away on April 26th of this year. For those of you not aware, this disease is fatal, has no cure, no mitigations, and no known causes. It progressively robs the body of muscle function and strips the victims of their freedom, and their health. Despite this extremely difficult time, Sonny used his superpower of positivity to continue to elevate those around him. He maintained his rigorous physical exercise routines until the days he could not. He continued to be a role model to all of us.
Sonny is not the only person who’s been taken from their families due to ALS. I’d like to ask the football community, our community, to continue to spread awareness about this disease, and if able, consider donating to fund its research to find a cure. Sonny started a donation fund through Ohio State University for this purpose, with money going to the Wexner Medical Center. This is just one option – any donations to ALS research centers is welcome.
To Sonny: we miss you terribly, and we wish you were here today to watch our boys compete and cheer them on. We’ll never be able to replace your presence. O-H
– His SIL