"Play Like it's Your Last!"

Sooner LB Austin Box dead at 22




The proud Sooner Nation is mourning the death of it's team leader, as authorities announced Thursday afternoon that starting linebacker Austin Box has passed away after being transported to Oklahoma City’s Mercy Hospital due to an unknown medical condition. He was unresponsive on Thursday morning at a friends home in El Reno. “The University family is deeply saddened by the tragic death of student-athlete Austin Box,” said OU President David L. Boren. “Our hearts go out to his family and friends.”

“This is a devastating day for the OU family,” said athletic director Joe Castiglione. “Austin was incredibly well-liked by his teammates, coaches and fellow students and will be greatly missed by all of us. We’re providing all the appropriate resources necessary to help everyone in his family, and ours, cope during this extremely difficult time.”

More of the same came from head coach Bob Stoops.

“We’re all shocked and heartbroken,” Stoops said. “Austin was a great young man, a great young man to coach and a great teammate. He played an integral part in our success the last three years and was looking forward to a big senior year. As heart-wrenching as this is for us, we know it’s even more difficult for his  family. More than anything, our thoughts and prayers are with them.”

This kid was only 22 years old with his whole life in front him. His family had just watched him earn his degree on last Saturday. He was the stud on campus and the team's leader. However, God had other plans. We never understand what the Almighty is doing and why he does it. All we can do is trust that he doesn't make any mistakes. There is a reason why they call it the "Present" because life is a Gift.

God will call all of us when our time comes. Our goal is to get to Heaven and Austin just got their before we did.  This is a call for us to play the game of life like it's our last everyday. We are only here to make an impact and win souls to the Kingdom of God. Everything else we get to do is bonus.

We get to pass through this life only once. It would be a shame to come and go and no one notices your absence. You don't have to be famous or rich to make an impact. You only have to get involved in other folks lives. Play like it's your last play everyday and don't waste your time while you're on this side of Heaven. R.I.P. Austin and Boomer Sooner!!!

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Jay Graves
jaygraves@thejaygravesreport.com
Follow me on Twitter: @jaygraves
Information from Soonersports.com was used in this article.