Synopses & Reviews
After thirteen seasons as an NFL star, Everson Walls retired to his hometown of Dallas, Texas. He and former Cowboys teammate Ron Springs worked together on charities, their families became close, and they became godfathers to each others children. But, as time passed, Ron could no longer conceal the ravaging effects of his diabetes. Before Walls knew it, his friends simple medical procedures had become amputations and dialysis. It didnt matter that Ron was a former football star. It didnt matter that he was still full of life. Ron was like everyone else in the dialysis center: He was dying.
In A Gift for Ron, Walls tells the moving story of how he witnessed the suffering of Ron and his family. He also recounts their years of friendship against the backdrop of their football careers. Ron had always been willing, never afraid, to take up someone elses cause. Regardless of the consequences. Walls was to remember this life lesson on the day he heard that a potential kidney donor had fallen through for his friendand also learned that he and Ron shared something truly precious: a blood type. Bolstered by his faith, Walls finally understood his only optionto donate a kidney to save his friends life.
Ultimately, A Gift for Ron is much more than the story of two pro football stars. It is about being a teammate, being a leader, being a friend. Most of all, it is about how one friend made another realize that to be lucky in life does not necessarily mean to receive gifts, but to be able to give them.
Synopsis
A Brian's Song for a new generation, featuring two pro football stars known to millions of fans Everson Walls's display of unselfishness was the ultimate example of teamwork. A life lesson for us all.--James Brown, CBS Sports/Showtime This] moving story of courage, sacrifice, and offering the ultimate gift to save a friend's life is truly inspiring.--Congressman Wm. Lacy Clay, legislative sponsor of the Everson Walls and Ron Springs Gift of Life Act of 2009 After fourteen seasons as an NFL star, Everson Walls retired to his hometown of Dallas, Texas. He and former Cowboys teammate Ron Springs worked together on charities, and their families became close. But, as time passed, Ron could no longer conceal the ravaging effects of his diabetes. Before Walls knew it, his friend's life was on the line. In A Gift for Ron, Walls tells the moving story of how he witnessed the suffering of his former mentor and his family and, on hearing that a potential kidney donor had fallen through, learned that he and Ron shared something truly precious: a blood type. Walls knew his only option--to donate a kidney to save his friend's life.
Synopsis
After 14 seasons as an NFL star, most of it with the Dallas Cowboys, though he won a Super Bowl with the NY Giants, Everson Walls retired into a productive and happy life in his hometown of Dallas, Texas. He and close friend, former Cowboys teammate, Ron Springs worked together on a variety of charities and their families became close. But as time wore on Walls began to notice alarming symptoms in his close friend. Springs could no longer conceal the ravaging effects diabetes was having on him and before Walls knew it simple procedures became amputations and thereafter weekly visits to dialysis. This strong man had withered down to someone whose life was on the line. Walls witnessed the suffering his former mentor's family went through and one day - after hearing that a potential kidney donor and fallen through - demanded to know Ron's blood type. It was the same as Everson's and without thinking he knew his only option was to donate a kidney to save his friend's life.
Synopsis
A Brians Song for a new generation
the moving story of a rare friendship between two pro football stars
Synopsis
Teammates for four years, friends for life. The story of Everson Wallss gift of life to a former teammate is an inspiration for all of us.”
Boomer Esiason, analyst for CBS Sports and WFAN, and former NFL quarterback and NFL Most Valuable Player
How often do we hear about one person who is not related to another in any profession doing what Everson did? . . . [He] is the only person Ive ever known who did what he did.”
Frank Deford, author, sportswriter, and commentator (from the Foreword)
Everson Walls and Kevin Blackistone have not only written a good football book, they have also given us an important life book. By sharing such a personal and compelling story about organ donation and transplantation, they will inspire and impact for years to come.”
Jeffrey Marx, Pulitzer Prizewinning author of the New York Times bestseller Season of Life
Everson Walls display of unselfishness was the ultimate example of teamwork. A life lesson for us all.”
James Brown, CBS Sports/Showtime
[This] moving story of courage, sacrifice, and offering the ultimate gift to save a friends life is truly inspiring.”
Congressman Wm. Lacy Clay, legislative sponsor of the Everson Walls and Ron Springs Gift for Life Act of 2009
About the Author
Everson Walls is a four-time Pro Bowl NFL cornerback who played thirteen seasons and recorded fifty-seven interceptions, the tenth most in NFL history. He played his first nine seasons with the Dallas Cowboys before joining the New York Giants in 1990 and starring on its Super Bowlwinning team. He retired in 1993 with the Cleveland Browns and returned to his hometown. Walls is the cofounder of the Ron Springs and Everson Walls Gift for Life Foundation (www.GiftforLifeFoundation.org), which educates the public on the dangers of kidney disease and the need for organ donation. Kevin B. Blackistone is a national columnist for AOL Sports FanHouse (www.FanHouse.com), a regular panelist on ESPNs Around the Horn, and the Shirley Povich Chair in Sports Journalism at the University of Maryland. A former award-winning sports columnist for the Dallas Morning News, he has covered sports across the United States and around the world.