Michigan State offensive lineman Arthur Ray Jr. is back on the practice field this spring for the first time since being diagnosed in 2007 with osteosarcoma – a rare type of bone cancer.
“It’s real special, from when I first signed my national letter and when I first found out my diagnosis everybody’s been real supportive,” said Ray following a team practice on Tuesday. “It’s a blessing.”
Ray said he first got the call when he was sitting in class. MSU head football coach Mark Dantonio called to give him the news, that he could suit up with his teammates and participate in full contact, individual drills.
“It was overwhelming,” Ray said. “I had to step out and call my mom and I just started crying.”
Ray said he’s not fully comfortable doing group drills and neither are his coaches in fear that someone might fall into him. Therefore, the staff and Ray have agreed to take it slow, putting together a few short term goals.
“Getting back, playing spring ball, getting my feet back underneath me and just taking it one day at a time,” said Ray about how he will spend the spring practice sessions. “From last (week) to now, I just feel like I’m improving daily.”
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