Jermain Defoe is one of the good guys in football

Defoe’s friendship with a young fan proves that there are still true heroes and role models in sport

According to the Oxford Dictionary the definition of a role model is:  A person looked to by others as an example to be imitated.

The debate over whether sports figures are role models or not has been going on forever. There are many current example of athletes who we would not want our children to emulate. That list includes Johnny Manziel, Tiger Woods and Aaron Hernandez. At the same time, however, there are altruistic athletes such as Cristiano Ronaldo, Serena Williams and Lebron James. These aforementioned superstars are among the world’s most charitable sports figures.

Jermain Defoe does not appear on this list and is certainly not a household name outside of English football. Yet, Defoe has shown over the past year that he is a true role model. He did this by giving much more than money. Instead he gave his time, friendship and true compassion to a young boy who idolized the player.

Defoe first met Bradley Lowery last September when the boy served as a mascot for Sunderland’s home match versus Everton. The young Black Cats fan was carried on to the pitch in the arms of his favorite player; Defoe. That was the moment a unique bond was formed.

Lowery was battling a childhood cancer known as neuroblastoma. Yet the child’s spirit and enthusiasm touched Defoe.

Lowery accompanied Defoe on to the pitch several more times over the next few months. This was highlighted by England’s world cup qualifier versus Lithuania at Wembley Stadium in March. Lowery walked out hand in hand with his idol to a thunderous ovation from the crowd.

The pair’s unlikely friendship united football fans and players throughout the UK.

Defoe visited the boy in the hospital on a number of occasions and just last week stopped by to cheer up his friend.

After the emotional visit, Defoe shed tears at a press conference when asked about the boy.

Lowery passed away last week after a long fight with his disease. Defoe took to Twitter to express his feelings for his friend.

Bradley Lowery’s contribution to the football world is huge. He showed those of us who yell and scream at every bad call or misplaced shot that there is more to sport than just winning.

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Defoe may not be the Premier League’s top scorer or go down in history for his playing ability. Yet his contribution to the game, is bigger than any of that.