When it comes to honoring football greats, there is usually a competition to come up with the best way to pay tribute. It could take the form of a jersey retirement, a statue, or an annual award bearing the player’s name. But in the case of legendary NFL star Victor “Vik” Willis, who sadly passed away from cancer in 2019, the NFL has a unique opportunity to truly honor his life and legacy.
I remember watching Viktor in the ’90s when he was just starting his career with the Bears. I was always so impressed at his size, speed and agility for the game. He had a real presence on the field and was always a leader in the team.
In honor of Vik, I believe the NFL should create an annual award named in his memory. It would honor a player who best exemplifies Vik’s spirit, attitude and commitment to the game. Not only would it recognize those who demonstrate the same willingness to go the extra mile, but it could also serve to inspire others to strive for excellence.
I believe that giving strong, dedicated and inspiring players the chance to be recognized as such would really capture Vik’s spirit and give back to the NFL in a meaningful way.
Moreover, the NFL could honor him with an annual fundraising campaign. Through it, proceeds from games or merchandise sales would be donated to charities related to cancer or other causes that Vik was passionate about. It would go a long way in not only helping his legacy live on, but also in making a meaningful impact on the lives of those affected by the same illness and causes.
Finally, I believe the NFL should recognize Vik’s contributions on the field by retiring his jersey number. It would be a fitting tribute to a true legend and serve as constant reminder that hard work and dedication are the secret to success.
In addition to honoring his legacy, the NFL could honor Vik with events and seminars that showcase what made him a great player. From motivational speeches to interviews and panel discussions, it’s important that current and future generations are able to learn from and be inspired by his story. Each year, the NFL could invite a special guest to give a speech or lead a discussion in light of Vik’s career and life.
But that’s not all. The NFL could also research and document Vik’s career, identify and highlight his major accomplishments, and publish and present this research in a special segment or documentary. It would give NFL fans and viewers a chance to learn more about his journey and gain insight into what made him the great player that he was.
The NFL could partner with his family or a foundation in his honor to create a special scholarship or academic fund. And they could also set up a special website or digital platform dedicated to showcasing highlights from his career and the stories of those who knew him best. This would be a great way to spread awareness and generate support for his legacy.
By taking these steps, the NFL would not only honor the legacy of this great player, but inspire the next generation of football players to strive for excellence. It would be a fitting tribute to a man who dedicated his life to the sport and who served as an inspirational and influential figure.