In this unique look at the journey back to Mobile, I will pull back the curtain somewhat on what this trip means and, more importantly, the hope I wish to bring to others. As I sit in Fayetteville, staring at my notes for the road ahead. In less than a week, I leave for the Senior Bowl—Sunday to Memphis, Monday to Mobile—for our“Road to Hope” series with the Chris Hope Foundation. This feels personal, so I want to share why before we hit the highway.
I Almost Didn’t Make It Back to Mobile: My Comeback Story and Why Hope Got Me Here.
Back in February 2022, I was in Mobile covering the game. Felt solid—4 Star was growing, I was doing what I love. Came home to South Arkansas, kept pushing. Then July hit. The heart attack came fast—pain that doubled me over, fear I wouldn’t see my wife again. Hospital blur, her rushing to my side, holding on. I made it, but everything changed.
The months after were rougher mentally than physically. Anxiety would spike out of nowhere, heart racing over nothing. Depression made days drag, made me question if I’d ever write another story or be the husband she needed. I didn’t talk about it much at first. Felt like I should just tough it out. But my wife changed that—she stayed close, listened without fixing, walked the dogs with me when I could barely get out the door. We had four then; three now. Those pups just stayed near, no judgment. Family in Memphis called regularly—short talks that reminded me I wasn’t alone.
Hope started small. Breathing when panic came, noting one good thing each day—like her making breakfast or a dog leaning on my leg. Therapy gave me ways to handle the thoughts. It wasn’t overnight, but relying on her, on family, on those daily choices built something steady. Resilience isn’t flashy; it’s showing up because the people who matter are still there.
Mobile this time is different. We’ll follow the Hogs through the week, along with a handful of others. Share some mental health pieces, foundation stories from families fighting kids’ cancer. Those parents live in hope every day.
I’m not pretending it’s all smooth. Some mornings still feel off. But my wife is still here, the dogs still greet me, and family still checks in. That’s hope in real life. If you’re carrying something heavy, lean on your people. It helps more than you think.
We’ll post from the road starting Sunday from our X page, @4StarSportsM. Join if you want—real stuff, no polish. Thanks for reading.
