Team becomes family for high school football player
BUENA PARK, Calif. - For many athletes, sports can be a source of comfort when life off the field of play is chaotic or painful. Football is just that for Buena Park football player Hakeem Williams, whose father was murdered when he was younger and now has lost his mother...
BUENA PARK, Calif. – For many athletes, sports can be a source of comfort when life off the field of play is chaotic or painful. Football is just that for Buena Park football player Hakeem Williams, whose father was murdered when he was younger and now has lost his mother.
“Everyone has problems in their lives,” Williams told KNBC. “You just can’t complain and try to make excuses for why you’re in the situation that your in. You just have to look at it and get better from it.”
The cause of Williams’ mother’s death is still unknown. Williams’ teammates and coaches attended the funeral and have been a constant source of support and strength through this tough period.
Williams coaches have described him as “exactly what Buena Park High School represents.”
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He plays running back and defensive back for Buena Park and is a division one prospect, according to KNBC’s Mario Solis. He returned to practice just one day after saying a “final goodbye” to his mother.
“My mom wouldn’t want me to miss practice,” Williams said. “She knew if, no matter what was going on in our life, football was my key. It was my way of getting out of what people call the ‘ghetto’.”
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