If you’ve ever wondered what an actual, real-life superhero looks like, you should turn off the latest Marvel Cinematic Universe flick — it’s probably a piece of woke garbage anyway — and look at this story about a football coach coming out of Jacksonville, Florida, who gave a masterclass in what it means to love others more than yourself.
However, along with this lesson in true, genuine heroics, there is tragedy and darkness, too, because the shadows are always creeping along the edge of the light.
According to TheBlaze, last weekend, a young football coach, who is either 20 or 21 years old, was taking a handful of players from a tryout being held at the Legends Center and Gymnasium in the city of Jacksonville. The coach, along with four players between the ages of 11 to 15, were in a vehicle when bullets burst through it due to a drive-by shooting.
The coach then dove into his players to protect them, using his body as a human shield, trying to preserve their lives as best he could. He was shot a total of 10 times during the incident and has had a number of surgeries to address his injuries, according to his lawyer, John Phillips. As of Wednesday, the coach’s condition was listed as “critical,” though it is not certain as of this writing if the condition has changed any.
“Thankfully, two of the four boys in the car, ages 14 and 15, were uninjured in the attack. However, 13-year-old Prince Holland was shot and killed in the incident, and an 11-year-old boy sustained serious injuries, though he is reportedly expected to recover,” the report said.
“All who knew and loved Prince are heartbroken about his death. His mother, Chantel Brown, has invited the entire community to his memorial service and has requested attendees wear red and gold — the colors of Prince’s beloved team, the Kansas City Chiefs — in his honor,” it continued.
“His little brother cannot see him every day. His big brothers and big sisters cannot see him. I cannot pick up my baby,” Brown stated. The crowd of around 100 people came to a candlelight vigil held for Prince on Wednesday evening. “That is the hardest thing. I cannot hold him. I cannot kiss him. I cannot even tell him that I love him.”
“A family friend identified only as Angel has asked that those who have information about this case come forward to assist in the investigation. ‘What if it was your son?” she asked. “What if it was your brother? What if it was you? It could have been anybody but instead it was an innocent 13-year-old kid,'” TheBlaze added.
Officials all across the state of Florida have made a vow to locate the individuals who are responsible for this horrific act of violence and get justice for Prince and his family. There’s currently a $14,000 reward due to a $5,000 donation from Phillips and another $9,000 from CrimeStoppers for anyone who might have information that could lead to the arrest of the suspects responsible for the shooting.
“This grief has emboldened us and hardened our resolve,” Jacksonville Sheriff T.K. Waters stated. “To those responsible for this terrible act, know this: We will not rest, we will not tire, we will not waver.”
“We will not rest until the people responsible are held accountable,” Jacksonville Mayor Lenny Curry remarked.
As of this writing, there are no suspects in the case.