FLORHAM PARK, N.J. -- In mid-May, Mike Pennel returned to his first home, Topeka, Kansas, for his grandfather's 70th birthday. While in the area, he decided to make the one-hour drive to Kansas City, Missouri, to visit an old childhood haunt.
A place he barely remembers.
The place that saved his life.
Pennel went to Children's Mercy Hospital, where he was greeted with New York Jets placards and green balloons. He had called ahead, telling them his story and his plan for the day.
The hulking nose tackle, 6-foot-4, 335 pounds with a chest as wide as a doorway, arrived with toys, art supplies and board games such as Monopoly and Sorry!