During difficult times we often turn to what gives us strength.

For some, it may be family, friends or religion. Often times, many will pour themselves into their work.

For two NFL players, their healing began on the gridiron. 

James Winchester

A little over a week ago, Kansas City Chiefs long snapper James Winchester suffered through a nightmare experience. Winchester’s father, Mike Winchester, was leaving work at Will Rogers World Airport in Oklahoma City on Nov. 15 when a disgruntled employee shot and killed him. The shooter randomly targeted people at the airport before taking his own life.

The shocking turn of events was compounded by how close the two were; they shared a strong bond over football.  The senior Winchester was the punter for Oklahoma, which is the same school his son played for. James Winchester immediately flew home to grieve with his family.

“He’s where he needs to be, and when he comes back, he comes back,” Chiefs head coach Andy Reid said to ESPN. “But right now is his time to be with his family.”

However, his team was surprised to see Winchester dressed for that Sunday’s game in Tampa Bay, only days removed from his father’s death. It was through football, and the shared love of the game with his father, that Winchester found healing.

Initially, it came from an unexpected place: his foe. The Buccaneers defensive tackle Gerald McCoy, who is also a Sooners alum, took the time to approach his former teammate and offer consolation prior to the game:

Chiefs' James Winchester, whose dad was killed, hugged by Bucs' Gerald McCoy, fellow #Sooners alum, before game. pic.twitter.com/URwhVslh64

— Jeff Rosen (@jeff_rosen88) November 20, 2016

There was also quite a bit of behind-the-scenes support that Winchester received from the organization.

“It’s a family. We’re not just teammates. That includes coaches and the entire organization. (General Manager) Dorsey went down and spent Saturday with him. It was a tough day,” said Chiefs kicker Cairo Santos to All22.com. “He made sure (James) got back to us safe at the hotel. (Owner) Clark (Hunt) showed great support with what we did before the game today. It was awesome. There’s so many little things that this organization does to make sure we’re a family.”

It seems as though the healing has already begun. Just last night, Winchester was again on the field. The Chiefs were leading 16-10 early in the fourth quarter during the game against the Broncos. Winchester raced downfield on a punt and recovered a fumble, the result of a muffed punt by Jordan Norwood. He and his teammates were rightfully pumped:

Chiefs long snapper James Winchester recovers a fumble. His father, Mike, a former OU punter, was killed in... https://t.co/hN8cansVaw

— Kyle Fredrickson (@kylefredrickson) November 28, 2016

Although his first family is still in the process of healing, it is his second family that has helped him in his personal healing.

“James is just such a caring teammate, a thoughtful teammate, a guy that would sacrifice for his team. So you’re feeling for him. You don’t always know what to do or say but you just try to be there for him as he works through this,” said Alex Smith to ESPN.

Winchester was touched by the support.

“It was special,” Winchester said of the victory to Kansas City Star. “I’m just thankful to be part of this team and contribute.”

Alterraun Verner

There was another player on Sunday who was playing with a heavy heart under similar circumstances. The Tampa Bay Buccaneers cornerback Alterraun Verner’s father, Robert Verner, died Friday after suffering a heart attack. His father had flown in from his native California to be with the Verner family for Thanksgiving.

Needless to say, no one would blame Verner for taking the weekend off to grieve.

Instead, he turned to the gridiron for comfort and healing among his second family and turned in his best performance in a Bucs jersey. Underneath that jersey, he wore a t-shirt emblazoned with an image of his late father.

“My dad was my biggest fan,” Verner said to the Tampa Bay Times. “He made so many sacrifices for me to get to where I am today, and I just know that he wouldn’t want to be the cause for me not to play, so that’s why I decided to play. I wanted to honor him knowing all that he did to try to get me to where I am today.”

He honored his father in a big way. Late in the second quarter, the Seahawks offense showed signs of life and drove the ball down into scoring territory. Verner stepped in front of a Russell Wilson pass at the 15-yard-line and took it approximately 15 yards prior to being tackled.

Before he could even pick himself up off the ground, he was mobbed by his teammates.

His dad passed away on Friday. Decided to play for him anyway. Got the pick and a win for him on Sunday. Alterraun Verner man pic.twitter.com/RqBXnhFCkA

— SysTOM Brady 9-2 (@ChrisCreacy) November 28, 2016

Verner stands by his decision to play, and the support he received from his teammates.

“He (his father) would’ve been smiling. Very, very proud,” said Verner to NBC Sports.

A football team with good chemistry often has the hallmarks of a family. 

 

Photo courtesy of Twitter/@davidphotokc