CANTON, Ohio — A devastating injury nearly cost Kobe Young his career…and his leg.
The pain the Pro Football Hall of Fame defensive tackle suffered that day paled in comparison to the pain he and his family would endure years later.
young about his late son Colby at the offering ceremony on Saturday. Colby Young died of pediatric cancer at the age of 15 in 2016.
“Kolby loved life and had a contagious smile,” Bryant Young said. “He has a lot of interests, including football. He’s a happy kid.”
Colby started having headaches in the fall of 2014. A CAT scan shows a brain tumor.
Five days later, surgeons removed Colby’s tumor.
“They told us it was cancer,” Young said.
Despite the grim news, Colby returned to school a week later in high spirits. Young says he has the heart of a lion.
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Colby received intense treatment. His family was encouraged when he started to feel better.
The following fall, Colby said he had another headache. Cancer is back.
“It’s spreading so fast, so fast,” Young said. “Colby senses where things are going and asks questions. He’s not as afraid of death as the process of dying. Will it be painful? Will he be remembered?”
Yang assured his son that he would keep the memory. In his consecration speech, he did so again.
“Kolby…” Yang Qiang said while holding back tears. “You live in our hearts. We will always say your name.”
Contact Mike at mike.popovich@cantonrep.com or on Twitter: @mpopovichREP
