Keith McCants and Robert Blackmon. (Courtesy of Robert Blackmon)
Keith McCants was once considered the next big thing in the NFL, drafted by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in 1990. Unfortunately, a knee injury ended McCants’ dreams of having a lasting career in soccer.
His worsening injury forced him to take prescription painkillers, but it left him addicted. It eventually led to the wingback going to prison and losing his home.
The future was bleak for McCants until a 21-year-old college student named Robert Blackmon extended a hand of friendship.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers’ Keith McCants during a game against the San Francisco 49ers.
“In 2010, I came home from college and read in the paper that (McCants) was arrested for the 14th or 15th time for possession of crack cocaine.” Blackmon told ABC last month, “On his jail photo, he looked very sad.”
Blackmon, now a councilman in Saint Petersburg, Florida, felt he should help McCants and made a phone call to him.
“He called right back and said, ‘I think it’s a gift from God.'” Blackmon recalls that the then-college student promised to do everything possible to help his new friend.
Over the years, Blackmon helped the fallen NFL star get clean and regain his independence.
Keith McCants and Robert Blackmon. (Courtesy of Robert Blackmon)
McCants, 52, who has required the use of crutches for 20 years, needed hip surgery. Blackmon says the NFL refused to fund the surgery.
The former strongside linebacker dreams of walking along the Florida coastline without crutches, and he hopes his recovery from drug addiction will inspire others to achieve their dreams.
On March 17, Blackmon shared their journey of friendship on Facebook. “The last 11 years have been a crazy journey,” he wrote, “and I am proud not only of the obstacles (McCants) has overcome, but also of the recognition he has received. I’m grateful every day to call him a friend.”
Blackmon is now helping to fund McKenzie’s hip surgery. His view is that “anyone can change a life.
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