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The Panthers’ Kawann Quick, an E.C. Central grad, has performed a key position on the line of defense.
The massive, daring and colourful mural on the skin wall of Columbus Drive Gyros hits you want a storm surge whereas coming into the constructing.
It’s a life-size portray of hometown hero Kawann Quick, defensive deal with for the Carolina Panthers, in his No. 99 uniform and holding the Tremendous Bowl 50 trophy triumphantly in his proper hand, an occasion that was to not be.
All through Northwest Indiana, there have been banners, posters and pep rallies all through town in help of the E.C. Central grad. Social media saved him in contact day by day with the Area, as if he had been standing on the nook of Chicago Avenue and Indianapolis Boulevard, taking all of it in.
One explicit banner stretched throughout Columbus Drive at Alder Avenue, proclaimed: “East Chicago is pleased with our hometown Kawann Quick. We’re East Chicago — Tremendous Bowl 50. Go Panthers!”
That 10-by-10-foot mural at Columbus Drive Gyros was painted Jan. 28 by the artist often known as Fhat Cousins, who labored on his labor of affection for eight hours.
“I’m 6-foot, and I nonetheless should search for at it,” mentioned restaurant proprietor John Troupis. “It’s a win-win for town as a result of it went viral on social media. Individuals are at all times pulling up, taking photos of it.
“Kawann liked it and ended up sharing it (on social media). It lit a fireplace below all people to affix the celebrating.”
E.C. Central and center college soccer gamers watched the 2016 Tremendous Bowl in the highschool’s mini-theater, with a pre-game video message delivered by Kawann Quick.
“I’ve seen a lot of the love coming from house. It’s honest and coming from the center,” he mentioned by cellphone previous to the sport. “East Chicago isn’t very huge. It has solely about 30,000 however they respect individuals who get out and do issues with their lives.
“And if you do, they gladly bounce on board and help you 100%.”
The forty fourth total choose within the 2013 draft, Quick went from 5 sacks mixed over his first two seasons to an eye-popping 11 in 2105-16 — a workforce report for defensive tackles — earlier than the NFL championship sport.
However what actually jumps out to college students of the sport is 11 sacks, 55 tackles and three compelled fumbles by a 4-3 inside lineman who is also a fierce go rusher on the sting.
Quick has remodeled from a participant who flashed throughout the display screen as soon as a sport to a surefire Professional Bowler.
“I’m simply out right here doing what I’m doing and making an attempt to assist this workforce win. It’s the one factor I can ask or work for,” mentioned the 6-foot-3, 315-pound Quick.
Quick has partnered with Athletes for Charity, HealthLinc and the East Chicago Fireplace and Police Departments to create tutorial incentives to profit youth. He’s launched a Youth Literacy Mission to ship books and tutorial incentives to youngsters in want of encouragement in the case of studying and tutorial achievement.
“They at all times come again. They’ve by no means forgotten about their metropolis and that’s what’s so nice,” mentioned Steve Segura, multimedia director of East Chicago.
Getting concerned, sending a constructive message, can work wonders in any surroundings.
“Some guys play this sport 16-17 years and haven’t been to the Tremendous Bowl. I’ve performed three years and I’m right here,” mentioned Quick, who had a video message for town’s soccer gamers watching Tremendous Bowl 50 sport at the highschool:
“I’ve been in your place and in the identical seats a few years in the past. I had a imaginative and prescient and a dream to be the place I’m right this moment,” Quick mentioned. “East Chicago … you guys have been behind my again 100%. I admire you guys for being there, exhibiting love and help. You’ve been superb. Have a blessed day.”
As children, E’Twaun Moore and Quick typically stopped at Columbus Drive Gyros for a fast chew after college. It was a well-liked hangout with their basketball teammates.
E’Twaun was the star level guard and Kawann an influence ahead on the Cardinals’ 2006-07 workforce. Proprietor John Troupis recalled how the gamers, previous to sectionals, had assured him they had been going to win the 4A championship.
He made a deal. Win state and it’s all you may eat.
The Cardinals superior by way of the tourney — knocking off Lowell, Munster, South Bend Adams, Valparaiso and Marion — for a shot at Indianapolis North Central, that includes highschool phenom Eric Gordon.
E.C. Central prevailed, 87-83.
It wasn’t lengthy after when Moore and Quick, holding the trophy, led the Cardinals into Columbus Drive Gyros and mentioned: “We’re actually hungry!’”
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