Ten years ago today, Korey Stringer died of heat stroke after collapsing during the second day of Vikings training camp. Stringer was a Pro Bowler, but more importantly, he was a loving husband and father. By all accounts, he was outgoing and funny, and a clubhouse favorite. Everyone seemed to love Korey, and his death shook the team and us as fans. It was a wake-up call for the league, which has since implemented measures to prevent against further tragedies. Unfortunately, they were too late to save Korey.
I remember being on a road trip with my family when we heard the news. It was just after my dad's birthday, so he was wearing his new, purple, Vikings polo shirt. The words 'Minnesota Vikings' came crackling over the radio and he instinctively turned up the volume. Unfortunately, we weren't greeted with news of how camp was going, or of a new free agent signing, but of a death. For the rest of the day, my dad ended up speaking to strangers at gas stations about what a shocker and a tragedy it was. I was nine, and it was the first time I remember being legitimately saddened by sports. It wasn't like losing in the NFC Championship game the year before; it actually hurt. I learned that day about the tolls that a sport can take on its athletes in the most brutal and painful way possible.
So rest in peace, Korey. We still miss you.
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