For the last five years, 49ers linebackers coach Johnny Holland has been living with a death sentence. He was diagnosed with an aggressive form of blood cancer and gets regular treatment just to extend his life. Through it all, he has managed to stay on the sidelines for the 49ers.
Speaking before last year's Super Bowl, where the 49ers lost to the Chiefs, Holland spoke about the perspective he has gained living with a disease that he knows is incurable.
"I found out now that every day is a great day. It's taught me a lot to see life in a different perspective," Holland said.
Last Sunday, Holland was again coaching up the 49ers, who have been devastated by injuries all season--really, even going back to that Super Bowl, in which they lost one of Holland's players, linebacker Dre Greenlaw, to a freak Ahcilles injury. Before the game, he spoke on the field with Fox Sports' Erin Andrews and Kevin Burkhardt, who were broadcasting the game.
Andrews relayed the story this week on her "Calm Down" podcast with Charissa Thompson. This being Thanksgiving week, the two were discussing gratitude. Andrews said she was grateful for what Holland told her.
"I got a story for the big show," Andrews said. "Johnny Holland, the linebackers coach on the San Francisco 49ers has been battling cancer for quite some time, he has battled it four times, in fact. And pregame, Lambeau Field, Kevin Burkhardt and I stood talking to him, just about the adversity the 49ers are going through with the injuries.
"And he said, ‘You know, I talk to these guys a lot about adversity. I know what it is like to almost feel like you’re gonna die, and to tell people every day I love them.’ I was crying pregame. Crying. And we saw (49ers GM) John Lynch after, and he was like, ‘You good?’ And I was like, ‘No, I just talked to Johnny Holland, who is a wonderful man and I’ve been crying.’"
Of course, also mentioned her son and husband, and her good health and employment. But she noted that talking to someone like Holland is a good reminder to keep one's perspective.
"I am grateful to have conversations like that, with people who show you that it is important to tell people in your life that you love them," Andrews said.
