Man, I’ve been meaning to share this story for a while now, and today’s the day. It’s about my wife, Sauphia Lanning, and our journey together, especially how it intertwined with my career moves and life decisions.
It all started way back in 2005. I met Sauphia at an Outback Steakhouse. Yep, a steakhouse. We were both in college, young, and, well, love-struck. We tied the knot in 2009, and let me tell you, she’s been my rock ever since.
Fast forward to when I landed the head coach gig at the University of Oregon in 2022. It was a big deal, a dream come true. But life has a way of throwing curveballs. Right around that time, we got the news no one wants to hear – Sauphia was diagnosed with cancer. It was like the world just stopped. Suddenly, football seemed so small, you know?
This whole ordeal made me rethink everything. What was I doing? Why was I doing it? I mean, here I was, chasing this career, and there she was, fighting for her life. It hit me hard. I needed to be there for her, for our three boys, more than anything. I remember giving a speech when I first got to Oregon, talking about my “why.” It changed after that, I realized my real “why” is my family.
During those tough times, I saw Sauphia’s strength firsthand. She was incredible. While I was at practice, she was holding down the fort, even taking our sons to Disneyland to keep things as normal as possible for them. It’s moments like those that make you realize what’s truly important.
Sauphia’s not just my wife; she’s a bedrock. She’s the marketing coordinator, the planner, the heart of our family. It’s funny because before all this, I was so caught up in my career. I started as a coach at Park Hill South High School, working with special teams, defensive backs, and wide receivers. It was all about football, all the time. But this experience with Sauphia taught me that there’s so much more to life than just a game.
A New Perspective
- Family First: I learned to prioritize what truly matters. It’s not about the wins or losses on the field, but the moments you share with loved ones.
- Resilience: Sauphia showed me what true resilience looks like. Her strength during the toughest of times inspired me to be a better man, husband, and father.
- Support System: We became each other’s support system. I realized that my role wasn’t just to coach a team, but to support my family through thick and thin.
It’s been a journey, to say the least. A journey of love, challenges, and a whole lot of learning. Sauphia Lanning, she’s not just a name; she’s a story of strength, love, and resilience. And me? I’m just a guy lucky enough to be by her side through it all. I wouldn’t trade it for the world.
This whole experience changed me, man. It made me a better coach, sure, but more importantly, it made me a better person. It gave me a new perspective, a deeper appreciation for life and the people in it.
