By making it to the NFL, Atlanta Falcons defensive end Takkarist McKinley kept a pledge he made in high school to his grandmother moments before she passed away.

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Promise Fulfilled

The work Hall of Fame quarterback Dan Marino has done for autism has helped a young man in Miami who works at Hard Rock Stadium.

Every year, each NFL team selects a player for the Ed Block Courage Award, an honor bestowed on a player who serves as a role model of inspiration, sportsmanship, and courage. Pittsburgh Steelers cornerback Artie Burns was chosen by teammates to receive the award because of how he handles things at home following the death of his mother two years ago. Monday Night Countdown reporter, Michelle Beisner-Buck sat down with Burns to discuss how the 22-year-old keeps a handle on football and family.

Artie Burns

At 19, Amobi Okoye became youngest player drafted in NFL history as the Texans No. 10 pick in the 2007 draft. Now Okoye wants to become the first player to beat encephalitis.

Walking Miracle

Seattle Seahawks defensive end Michael Bennett is a powerful voice against social justice. Bennett also uses his platform to help juvenile's in the criminal justice system.

Growth

Will Witherspoon played LB in the NFL for the Panthers, Rams, Eagles and Titans. Today, he's a farmer in Missouri pushing the benefits of local farms and farm fresh foods.

From Field to Farm

Sam Gado was nine when he immigrated from Nigeria to the U.S. He was 13 when he started playing football. At 27 he retired to become an ear, throat and nose doctor.

Dr. Gado

The Broncos' Assistant Turf Manager Luke Kellerman's two-year battle with colorectal cancer started a movement within the organization to recognize and honor all cancer survivors.

Fight Like A Bronco

Philadelphia Eagles defensive end Chris Long took a life-changing trip to Tanzania in 2013. During his time in East Africa, his eyes were opened to the global water crisis. As a result, Chris founded "The Waterboys" to help bring clean water to Tanzania.

The Waterboys

When he played for the Patriots, Titans CB Logan Ryan adopted a shelter dog named, Leo. The joy Leo brought to his household led Ryan to start a campaign to save shelter dogs.

Ryan's Rescue

Brittney Harmon gave her dad a special present on her wedding day. So when it came time for the father-daughter dance, Brittney slipped into a blue Chicago Bears gown.

Something Blue

Former NFL coach Marty Schottenheimer is facing the toughest opponent of his life. There is no game plan for the onset of Alzheimer's. But Schottenheimer is not giving up.

Marty

After signing as free agent with Buffalo this summer, Anquan Boldin was disturbed by the violence in Charlottesville. So he decided to retire and focus on humanitarian causes.

Greater Calling

Lions DE Ziggy Ansah is from Ghana. He never played football until walking on at BYU. He turned into a 1st-round pick. This summer Ansah held his first football camp at home.

Ziggy's Pride

Bill Johnston worked for the Chargers for 38 years. When the team moved to L.A., the PR Director elected to stay behind to help his wife, who is battling Huntington's Disease.

No Place Like Home

Audio documentaries, short stories and much more from the SportsCenter team.

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