The late Korey Stringer is still on the minds of many.

NEW YORK – While the National Football League was reveling in the excitement and drama of the 2010 Draft at Radio City Music Hall that would start the careers of future stars, a press conference took place that did not get a lot of publicity.

On Aug. 1 2001, the Minnesota Vikings opened up training camp with the optimism that all teams have at the start of a new season. They were faced with tragedy from the beginning as veteran offensive tackle Korey Stringer became the first professional football player to die from complications due to heat stroke. The 27-year-old, who played college ball at Ohio State, was an integral part of a offensive line that was responsible for running back Robert Smith gaining over 1,000 yards in consecutive seasons. His death brought to light the training practices not only in professional football but in colleges and high schools across the country.

On Friday, Apr. 23, 2010, a partnership was announced between the University of Connecticut Neag School of Education and the Korey Stringer Institute to research and educate in the prevention of heat stroke and sudden death in sports.

Founder, CEO, wife and spokesperson for the Institute, Kelci Stringer along with agent James M. Gould and best friend Scottie Graham from the NFLPA were on hand to discuss the foundation. Dr. Douglas Casa, who himself suffered a heat related stoke at the age of 16, talked about recognizing and preventing heat stroke. Kelci, who sued both the Vikings and the NFL, soon began to realize that Korey’s death was not random. “Each year there’s some young athlete passes out or dies from heat related illness. I realized that someone had to do something about it. That someone was me.” Korey was a very giving person on and off the field although he liked to contribute in a silent way. “Korey is looking down and he is happy. He was one of the most generous people that you would ever meet. He was not a big believer in outward giving. He believed in doing it quietly but being impactful. He would be proud we have created a result oriented program.” After composing herself, Kelci said, “We will work very hard to save the lives of young athletes.”

James M. Gould client representation was zero when he approached Korey Stringer. Gould met the entire family and convinced them he was the man to represent not only Korey but his entire family. 15 years later, he has kept his word. He was instrumental in bringing the institute to UConn. Gould recalled the day that Korey passed that his death could have been avoided. “This should never have happened,” he said. “This could have been prevented.” The Chairman and KSI Board of Advisors said “I know Korey is with us today with that big smile on his face saying, “thank you for keeping our future athletes safe.”

Scottie Graham saw a side of Korey that only few were priviledged see. He had a sense of humor and could imitate anyone. “Korey would put candy in the lockers of the offensive lineman and then blame it on someone else,” said Graham. Korey would imitate head coach Dennis Green not realizing that one time Green was watching. Green wasn’t amused but was impressed at the same time. “I thought he was going to kill him, Graham said. “If you didn’t know Korey you probably think I was exaggerating. If you knew Korey, you probably say I didn’t say enough.”

For the last 11 years, CEO Dr. Douglas J. Casa has been in the forefront of preventing sudden death due to heat stroke. At age 16 while running a 10k race, he collapsed. If not for the immediate on site care, he might not be here today. It is what drove him to study heat stroke, illness and hydration. His hopes to one day find a way to prevent sudden death in sports. His passion has not been lost on Kelci. “He is clearly one of the most passionate people I have ever met in my life. It was practically divine intervention more so than a choice that I decided to work with him.” Said Dr. Cara, “our goal is the eradication of death and heat stroke in organized sports.” The institute will be involved with high schools   and colleges to review emergency action plans. They will provide feedback to coaches, parents and medical staff to improve medical policies. “We have a long journey ahead. We have to look out for the safety of the athletes and make sure the schools have acceptable guidelines. If you look at heat stroke deaths over the last 35 years and break them into 5 year blocks, the worst series of deaths in a five year block is the last five years we just went through. We have not made progress.”

Korey Stringer left an indelible impression on the people he played with and befriended while a member of the Minnesota Vikings. He was known to say “don’t talk about it, be about it.” His wife Kelsi, James M. Gould, Scottie Graham and Dr. Casa are doing just that. 

Andrew Rosario is a contributing writer for Latino Sports. You can read his articles on: www.latinosports.com

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