Colorado defensive end Derek McCartney is missing some spring practice time, but for a noble reason. Per a story from Brian Howell of The Boulder Daily Camera, McCartney is preparing to donate blood marrow as part of coach Mike MacIntyre’s “Be The Match” program, in which members of the football program who are signed up for it donate blood to see if they are indeed a match for those with blood cancer.
“We’ve had four young people — one coaches’ wife, two other players and now Derek — who have been matches and have been able to save a life,” MacIntyre said.
As a result of his donation, McCartney will miss two practices. Given the cause, his teammates probably don’t care that he’ll be absent.
Though Colorado has struggled during his time with the Buffs, McCartney has still played well. He has 71 tackles, 8.5 sacks and three forced fumbles.
And his donating blood marrow confirms that he is not only a great player, but also a great person.
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*Featured Photo (above) credit to CU Independent
