Bama football legend fighting ALS shares message – ‘I’d like to say thank you now, in the event I can’t verbally say it later’

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August 15, 2018

WBRC’s Rick Karle on Monday shared a moving video from University of Alabama football great Kerry Goode, who is battling ALS.

Also known as Lou Gehrig’s disease, ALS is a disease of the nervous system that progressively gets worse until being fatal. Goode was diagnosed back in 2015, and the typical life expectancy from that time is between two and five years.

He and his three brothers – Chris, Pierre and Clyde – all played for the Crimson Tide, as did their cousin – former star cornerback Antonio Langham. Clyde, the youngest brother, passed away in 2012 following a bout with leukemia.

In the video, Goode thanked all of the people who have been supporting him and his family.

“You’ve helped me and my family endure some of the heartache,” he said, addressing his supporters.

At the end of the address, Goode reiterated his appreciation, adding that it might be the last time he is verbally able to say it, as he will undergo a tracheotomy in the very near future.

“I’d like to say thank you now, in the event I can’t verbally say it later,” he concluded.

.@AlabamaFTBL legend @KerryGoode sent me this message for you. Kerry will soon undergo a tracheotomy as he fights ALS, thus possibly losing his ability to speak.

Prayers up for Kerry. Great guy & a true warrior.#Bama #RollTide #KerryGoode #NickSaban https://t.co/bvcQJCmiWc pic.twitter.com/ZDsa6PQ18K

— Rick Karle (@RickKarle) August 14, 2018

Sean Ross is a staff writer for Yellowhammer News. You can follow him on Twitter @sean_yhn

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