NFL legends and former New Orleans Saints appeared during Tulane Medical Center’s Men’s Heath Event, held on Sept.9 at the medical center, in order to help promote prostate cancer awareness and screening.
Rickey Jackson, NFL Hall of Famer, Super Bowl champion, and prostate cancer survivor shared his story with attendees. He emphasized that “being a man” means more than successes “on the field.” It means taking care of one’s health in order to take care of the people in one’s life.
During the event, free PSA screenings to any eligible men in attendance. In addition to the free screening – a quick blood draw that can help determine one’s risk of prostate cancer – attendees had the opportunity to meet and have pictures taken with former NFL players, and to hear Jackson’s personal testimony about his prostate cancer diagnosis, and recovery.
The event featured surgical robot demonstrations, a photo booth, and health information provided by Tulane experts. Everyone who received a PSA screening was eligible to win memorabilia signed by Jackson, and other former Saints.
Other football celebrities at the event included Vaughn Johnson, “Dome Patrol” linebacker, four-time Pro Bowl selection, and Louisiana Sports Hall of Famer; Bobby Hebert, quarterback who led Saints to first two playoff appearances in team history; Dalton Hilliard, New Orleans Saints Hall of Famer, and LSU standout running back; Buford Jordan, Saints running back, and Louisiana Sports Hall of Famer; Tyrone Legette, Saints cornerback from 1992-1995; Torrance Small, Saints wide out from 1992-1996, and Super Bowl Champion; Chuck Commiskey, Saints offensive lineman from 1986-1988, and named to USFL All-League Team in 1984; Brad Edelman, Saints guard from 1982-1989, 1987 Pro Bowl selection, and first-team All-American at Missouri; Tyrone Hughes, Saints defensive back from 1993-1996, and 1993 Pro Bowl selection; Jack Holmes, Saints fullback from 1978-1982; Emanuel Zanders, Saints offensive lineman from 1974-1980, and a member of the Saints Hall of Fame 25 Years All-Time Team; Steve Korte, Saints offensive lineman from 1983-1990, and consensus All-American at Arkansas.
Other than skin cancer, prostate cancer is the most common cancer in American men. According to the American Cancer Society, about one in seven men will be diagnosed with prostate cancer during their lifetime. However, when found early and treated, prostate cancer has a 98 percent 10-year survival rate. It is recommended that men with no family history of prostate cancer begin PSA screening at the age of 50. Men who have a first-degree relative (father, brother or son) diagnosed with prostate cancer should begin screening at age 40.