Everson Griffen wrapped his former high school football coach Kelly Epley in a headlock and began to climb on his back.
The coach grabbed Griffen’s arm, then his leg, ready to engage in a wrestling bout, if needed. The friendly exchange quickly turned into a hug between the two grown men, a display of the tough love Griffen is thankful Epley gave him when he was a “knucklehead” teenager growing up in Arizona.
The two came together last week at the Pro Bowl as part of the NFL’s “Thank you, coach” initiative. The NFL offered each Pro Bowl player the opportunity to invite “that special high school coach who most impacted their life” plus a guest to celebrate the week in Orlando.