Oklahoma State University Athletics
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Stories of Gratitude - Chad Whitener
July 07, 2017 | Cowboy Football
STILLWATER - Oklahoma State linebacker Chad Whitener's life has been shaped by a tragedy.
When Whitener was a child, he saw his older brother, Charles, pass away at the age of 11.
"We we living in Mexico at the time," Whitener said. "I remember we went to the doctor's office for him and it was just another visit - nothing out of the ordinary. When we got home, he did a breathing treatment and then it happened soon after that."
Whitener goes on to discuss his brother's aspirations of one day being a lawyer, and how that all changed because of an asthma attack. The Cowboy senior still carries the weight of that day with him now.
"I think about him all the time," Whitener said. "Losing him taught me a lot. I learned that there are no guarantees and that no moment is promised, so I make the most of the time that I do have."
Whitener, a native of Mansfield, Texas, earned his degree in management from Oklahoma State in December 2016 and is currently continuing to further his education. He is a two-time All-Big 12 competitor, a two-time Academic All-Big 12 selection and the recipient of the 2016 Leslie O'Neal Award, which is given to the Cowboys' most outstanding defensive player. With all that he has accomplished, it's safe to say that Chad Whitener has taken full advantage of his opportunities in life, and much of that is due to his brother.
"I think about all of the things he had ahead of him - college, graduation and a great career - and I realized that I have those same opportunities now," Whitener said. "I play football for the Cowboys and I love it. Charles would love it too. I don't wear any visual tributes to my brother - no tattoos, nothing on my uniform - but I know he's watching me every Saturday. I know he's proud of me and that he sees that I'm making the most out of my opportunities - just like he taught me."
Watch the video above to hear more from Chad Whitener's 'Story of Gratitude.'
When Whitener was a child, he saw his older brother, Charles, pass away at the age of 11.
"We we living in Mexico at the time," Whitener said. "I remember we went to the doctor's office for him and it was just another visit - nothing out of the ordinary. When we got home, he did a breathing treatment and then it happened soon after that."
Whitener goes on to discuss his brother's aspirations of one day being a lawyer, and how that all changed because of an asthma attack. The Cowboy senior still carries the weight of that day with him now.
"I think about him all the time," Whitener said. "Losing him taught me a lot. I learned that there are no guarantees and that no moment is promised, so I make the most of the time that I do have."
Whitener, a native of Mansfield, Texas, earned his degree in management from Oklahoma State in December 2016 and is currently continuing to further his education. He is a two-time All-Big 12 competitor, a two-time Academic All-Big 12 selection and the recipient of the 2016 Leslie O'Neal Award, which is given to the Cowboys' most outstanding defensive player. With all that he has accomplished, it's safe to say that Chad Whitener has taken full advantage of his opportunities in life, and much of that is due to his brother.
"I think about all of the things he had ahead of him - college, graduation and a great career - and I realized that I have those same opportunities now," Whitener said. "I play football for the Cowboys and I love it. Charles would love it too. I don't wear any visual tributes to my brother - no tattoos, nothing on my uniform - but I know he's watching me every Saturday. I know he's proud of me and that he sees that I'm making the most out of my opportunities - just like he taught me."
Watch the video above to hear more from Chad Whitener's 'Story of Gratitude.'
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