This morning, the news was confirmed that former Toronto mayor Rob Ford passed away at the age of 46 after a lengthy battle with cancer.
In the football circles, Ford made a tremendous impact on and off the field. His coaching career began in 2001 with North York’s Newtonbrook’s Secondary School.
Ford’s biggest impact came during his time with the Don Bosco Eagles of the Toronto District Secondary School Athletic Association (TDSSAA) as he coached there from 2001-2013. Ford was insturmental in resuscitating the Eagles football program and donated $25,000 to the program to get it off its feet as he wanted to provide an avenue for high school kids in a rough neighborhood.
“I know what football did for me as a kid,” commented Mr. Ford in a previous interview with CanadaFootballChat.com. “I grew up in a family with a few problems, and I probably wouldn’t have finished high school without football. I just want to give back to these kids what I got out of football.”
“More than any other team sport, everyone in football must be a team player. It requires ethics and morals and discipline, and the harder you try, the more successful you’ll be.”
Photo credit: Toronto Star
The players considered Ford a father figure and on several occasions he would treat them as his own by purchasing them new shoes, looking after bus fares and hosting team barbeques.
In addition to the Eagles, Ford also coached the Rexdale Raiders of the Ontario Minor Football League (OMFL).
Off the field, the coach created the Rob Ford Football Foundation and also previously donated funds to supply the Eagles junior and senior football squads with uniforms.
During his career, Ford instructed players who have flourished on the gridiron including Jerome Miller and Jonathan Langa.
In the past, several players have told CFC in interviews how Ford’s impact has been far reaching in their lives:
“One of my role models, who I really look up to – Mayor Rob Ford who has taught me respect, and discipline,” said Jeremy Magan-France, a defensive player. “Rob Ford has made me who I am today.”
“He does do a whole lot, more than people see, behind closed doors for these kids,” expressed Miller, a former running back. “Helps them out if they need any help, for any reason at all.”
“He’s the first one that’ll be there for them. But he just speaks his mind, and from his heart.”
Many former players, colleaguesand media are expressing their condolences via social media and reflecting on Ford’s gridiron impact:
Condolences to the FORD family dedicated football coach to our students @ Don Bosco we will miss you Coach Ford @BoscoTweets @BoscoEagles
— mena (@menarubino) March 22, 2016
Wow, RIP Rob Ford! what that man did for Don Bosco and their football program put a lot of kids in great positions today!
— kings (@kingsleytopdawg) March 22, 2016
My only association with Rob Ford came through minor football, one of his passions. In that world he was roll-your-sleeves-helpful.
— steve simmons (@simmonssteve) March 22, 2016
Sad day as a life long giver to the city, Rob Ford passes. Helped start our football program at Eastern. Unmatched passion for Toronto.#RIP
— Roy Rana (@Roy_Rana) March 22, 2016
Rest in peace Rob Ford. Rob has helped many Football players in the Rexdale/Etobicoke area for many many years. Gone but not forgotten ?????
— Fabion (@FabionFoote) March 22, 2016
Love or hate him, there a lot of inner city Toronto kids who adored Rob Ford for his work within the football community. #RIPRobFord
— Moe Khan (@MoeKhan19) March 22, 2016
Posted by Deshawn Stevens on Tuesday, 22 March 2016
Even though we had some differences, Rob Ford was a damn great football coach and great man who taught me alot about life and handling responsibilities as a man. Rest in paradise.
Posted by Temba Jennings on Tuesday, 22 March 2016
Advocating for football prospects one story at a time.
