Ron Lopez: One of our own
Tim Ball
Thursday March 1, 2007
The confines of the field, one-quarter the size of the outdoor game, require that passers get used to suffering hit after hit.
AFL quarterbacks are a tough breed and no version of football ever developed, requires so much tenacity at the position.
Ron Lopez played quarterback for eight-seasons in the AFL.
Ron has now been given a hit from a whole different player; one even tougher than a defensive lineman.
Just over a month ago the former AFL quarterback was diagnosed with cancer.
The news of one of our own in need is making its way through the league.
On the AFL Alumni site:
In Need of Our HelpWe are family
Ron Lopez
Dear AFL Alumni, Family & Friends:
It is with great concern a former AFL player is in need of our assistance. QB Ron Lopez who played 8 seasons in the Arena Football League from 1995-2003 with Iowa, Anahiem, San Jose, Portland, Oklahoma City, and Carolina has recently been diagnosed with Stage 4 Lymphoma Cancer and is currently undergoing chemotherapy.
Although his situation is dire, Ron continues to carry a courageous attitude as he faces his biggest life challenge. Adding to that challenge is the fact that he does not have medical insurance. A fund has been set up for individuals and/or companies who wish to make a donation:
Ron Lopez Cancer Fund
Oklahoma Fidelity Bank
4035 NW Expressway St.
Oklahoma City, OK 73116
(405) 507-3191
Ron has a wife and 1 young son and currently resides in Oklahoma City. Anything you can do is sincerely appreciated. Please assist in anyway you can and help us get this message out to all former and current AFL Players.
E. Myron Jefferson, Vice-President
AFL Alumni Association, Inc.
(303) 872-5774
info@aflalumni.org
Every one of us should be sending whatever we can afford. The AFL is here because of the men that play the game.
There is likely never to be the interactions between players and fans like there is in the AFL.
The fact that we really get to know the players is an aspect of the Arena game I for one, take great value in.
The knowledge of Lopez needing our help should move everyone in the league.
Feeling sore and tired Ron went to see the Doctor trying to find out what ailed him. After many trips to several physicians, Ron was given the unfortunate diagnosis.
“I thought that my aches and pains were from the pounding I took as a quarterback,” said Ron. “You get used to the pains associated with the game of football, but cancer, I never figured on this.”
When his friends heard the news they went into gear as emails and phone calls were received throughout the league.
“Ron is a great guy,” said ex-teammate Patrick McGuirk. “When I heard the news I couldn’t stay quiet. It’s one thing to care but Ron needs our help financially to take care of the costs associated with treatment.”
“I’ve gotten phone calls and visits from so many players and coaches,” says Ron. “It is a wonderful feeling that they care.”
Caring
I remember an urgent call last season about San Jose SaberCats wide receiver James Roe.
He had gone into the wall in the endzone after diving for a catch and was lying on the floor motionless.
The phone call was from a friend of mine at that game. A season ticket holder that knew Roe like we all do.
My eyes welled with tears as my head went down and my prayers went up.
My mind flashed to ArenaBowl XVI as I rushed onto the filed as a reporter covering a great story.
As I approached Roe with my microphone pointed at his face he bent down a bit and gave me a hug and said “Thanks man, you been with us from the start.”
I remember that season from the start. I remember it to the finish.
In all of the madness of the moment was a player whose talent brought San Jose its first Championship, thinking about someone else.
I realized that this league is a special place.
I never saw Ron Lopez play for the SaberCats.
Yet, I see him today in my minds eye, dropping back, avoiding a tackler and completing the pass. Though Ron is playing for a different victory, this time I can be on the team.
I see him today needing my help.
Though my eyes are welling, my heart is praying, my head is looking up.
I’m looking at the address to send a check to help Ron Lopez.
Ron Lopez Cancer Fund
Oklahoma Fidelity Bank
4035 NW Expressway St.
Oklahoma City, OK 73116
(405) 507-3191
Tim Ball is a writer in the Chicagoland area. Married and father of three, his opinions on Arena Football reflects the positive aspect of the game as a family event second to none in pro sports.
