Sports stars are usually seen as being a little aloof, separated from the public by their wealth and loathe to give any insights into their true feelings.
There's a wall of media training and brand awareness that tends to keep the most elite athletes from truly speaking their minds on many issues. It's understandable - when your job requires you to put yourself on the line physically every week, it's an even bigger ask to put yourself out there emotionally as well.
For American Football superstar Marquise Goodwin, it would have been quite simple for him to withdraw from the limelight for a period after the tragic death of his premature son, who passed away after pregnancy complications on Sunday morning. Marquise, however, somehow managed to play for his team, the San Francisco 49ers that evening and, even more astoundingly - he scored a touchdown too.
The 49s had been roundly rubbish all year, losing every game, but Marquise Goodwin took to the field despite such an awful event and inspired them to their first win of the year, downing the New York Giants 31-21.
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Upon scoring his touchdown, Goodwin took to one knee, blew a kiss to the sky and said a prayer.
Listening to the commentary, it seemed like the general public were unaware of the significance of the moment. Later, he posted on Instagram to explain his and his partner's loss.
"Unfortunately we lost our baby boy due to some complications and had to prematurely deliver him early this morning around 4 am," wrote the wide receiver. "Although we are hurt, I am grateful for the experience and grateful that God blessed me with a wife as courageous and resilient as Morgan. The pain (physically, mentally, & emotionally) that she has endured is unbelievable. Please Pray for the Goodwin family."
He accompanied the post with a photograph of himself touching the tiny hand of his son.
His wife, Morgan, also wrote on Facebook to explain what had happened.
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"This whole week has taken an emotional toll on my husband and I, Struggling to keep our healthy baby safe in my womb. However, God had other plans for us," she said.
"Today, I had to deliver my precious baby boy early this morning due to preterm labor. Despite our loss, my hubby kept grinding, scored his son a touchdown & got our first "W" of the season. He had a wonderful game today."
"I️ appreciate everyone who kept us in their prayers and constantly checked in on us. This was truly and an amazing experience and it was also a tragic experience. But that's okay because we won't stop fighting and we won't give up on what God has in store for us."
Featured Image Credit: PA/InstagramTopics: SPORT, UK News, US News, NFL