Brent Yarina, BTN.com Senior Editor, July 15, 2015
"We decided to not give up."
— ESPN (@espn) July 16, 2015
Devon Still accepts Jimmy V Perseverance Award on behalf of daughter Leah. His speech: http://t.co/gg47240QwH
Devon Still delivered a moving speech while accepting the Jimmy V. Perseverance Award on behalf of his daughter Leah, 5, at the ESPYS on Wednesday night.
Still, the former Penn State standout and 2011 Big Ten Defensive Player of the Year, gave the audience an inside glimpse into the struggle and frustration of his family's everyday battle.
Through it all, the pain, the endless doctors appointments, the constant fight, Still said that Leah has never complained.
"In the five years I've been with you, you taught me more about life than I could ever do," Still said.
Leah was unable to attend the event because, as Still posted to Instagram, doctors said her immune system was still weak and didn't give her the OK to travel to Los Angeles.
Leah provided a quick message at the end of her father's speech, saying, "Thank you for supporting me while I beat up cancer."
Watch Still's full speech in the video embedded in the tweet above.
Here's some Twitter reaction to Still's speech:
Penn State stands with you, Leah and @Dev_Still71. Congratulations on the Jimmy V. Perseverance Award. #WeAre #FTK #ESPYS
— Penn State THON? (@THON) July 16, 2015
So proud of @Dev_Still71 a true Penn Stater. Seeing him grow from high school to college to fatherhood & now such strength inspiring us all
— Jay Paterno (@JayPaterno) July 16, 2015
@Dev_Still71 my prayers are with you and Leah, you 2 are inspirations to me and I respect everything you guys represent #DontEverGiveUp
— Eric LeGrand (@EricLeGrand52) July 16, 2015
#LeahStrong Proud of @Dev_Still71 for using his platform.
— Andy Dalton (@andydalton14) July 16, 2015
