Sometimes you just have to get down and dirty for a good cause. At least Terrence Cody, Chris Rogers and others believe so. Former University of Alabama defensive back Chris Rogers recently organized a charity paintball tournament to raise money for breast cancer research.
In August of 2007, Rogers’ mom was diagnosed with breast cancer. He was inspired by her courage and said that her struggle actually fueled his performance when he played. In 2009, Rogers said, “There is a need for us athletes to give back, and how do we do that?”
With the help of a professor in graduate school, Sue Parker, Rogers devised a plan. His charity, Together Assisting People, worked with the Breast Cancer Research Foundation of Alabama to create the recent fundraiser.
Many of Chris Rogers’ football friends came out for the event. As Brad Smelley said, “We try to rally behind our players when they try to do something like this.” In attendance were: Terrence Cody, Marcell Dareus, Marquis Maze, Glen Coffee, Roy Upchurch, Eryk Anders, Brad Smelley, Brandon Gibson and Will Lowery. Professional boxer and Tuscaloosa native Deontay Wilder was there as well.
As 2009 Heisman Trophy winner Mark Ingram said, “It just shows how much of a family-oriented program we are. Some of us played with each other, some of us didn’t. But at the same time, we all come back here and support each other.”
Some who had made it to the big leagues were there as well. As Terrence Cody, a former offensive lineman for Alabama and a current NFL player said, “My position coach with the Baltimore Ravens, his wife survived breast cancer, so he likes the fact that I support it, and I’ve got breast cancer license plates on both of my vehicles.”
In total, 13 teams of three competed at the Splatzone Paintball field to benefit the two charities.