G.A. Viray
It is a father’s responsibility to provide for his children no matter how hard he needs to sacrifice in order to give the best future for them, right? However, not all fathers are like that. Some fathers even depend on their children even if they are still able. Today’s inspiring story is about a father of a football superstar who does not depend on his son’s millions and still works despite of his old age and disability.
Richard Sherman of Seattle Seahawks is a $57.4M contract holder and has been playing for the National Football League (NFL) since 2011. However, despite his fame and fortune, his father Kevin can’t be stopped from working.
Kevin still works as a garbage truck driver in Los Angeles and wakes up everyday at 3:45 A.M. according to LA Times. He has been working for the Los Angeles sanitation department for 26 years and has no plans quitting his job anytime soon.
Kevin, who is already 50 years-old, has been advised by his colleagues to just live off his son’s fortune. But the old man refuses to. He insists to continue working everyday and even duties on holidays to get that extra pay.
Why should my son have to foot everything? I have a medical plan that will cover me. Why should my son have to pay my medical bills? It doesn’t make sense to me.
Kevin also mentioned that he wants to have his own money he could spend whenever he wants to take a holiday or two.
It’s something to keep busy, and it’s easy now. If I take a day off, I don’t need to worry about where my money is coming from.
Kevin’s diligence was not put to waste as his son Sherman was able to earn a degree at Stanford University, and is now an American football cornerback for NFL’s Seattle Seahawks. Sherman even talks about how his parents have inspired them to work hard and set their priorities.
I think it was incredibly significant. It forced my brother and me to understand priorities and family. You’ve got to do everything in your power to make sure your family is taken care of.
Even Sherman’s mother also works with disabled inner-city children.
How inspiring Sherman’s parents are!
And haven’t we mentioned, Kevin, according to Business Insider, doesn’t have a right eye anymore. He lost it when he was 14 at a Go-Kart explosion. Talk about having no excuses!
