In a recent conversation with former NFL star Cam Newton, boxing champion Terrence Crawford opened up about the significance of legacy in his career and his surprising stance on his children’s involvement in sports. While many athletes encourage their offspring to follow in their footsteps, Crawford has made it clear that boxing and football are off-limits for his kids.
Crawford, who has recently made headlines for his remarkable victory over Canelo Alvarez, emphasized that beating such a high-profile opponent means more than any financial reward. “At the end of the day, beating Canelo is going to be worth more than the bag because I’m going to be talked about forever,” he stated. He believes that his legacy will live on long after he’s gone, and that is what drives him in his boxing career.
During the podcast, Crawford discussed the risks associated with boxing and football, particularly the long-term effects of head trauma. He expressed his concerns about CTE (chronic traumatic encephalopathy) and the dangers of these sports, stating, “I already told them too much head trauma, you know, like really in football, man. Y’all get messed up worse than us.” This perspective is particularly poignant coming from a fighter who has experienced the rigors of the sport firsthand.
Interestingly, Crawford’s reflections on parental pressure in sports culture shed light on a broader issue. He remarked on how parents often impose their dreams on their children, pushing them into sports like football and boxing without considering their children’s interests. “You start seeing parents get so vested into something that the kids really are not into yet,” he noted, highlighting the unhealthy expectations that can arise in competitive sports.
Crawford’s determination to guide his children towards safer and more sustainable career paths is commendable. He encourages them to explore diverse opportunities, saying, “Y’all can be whatever y’all want. Y’all can go to any college, you know. Y’all won’t just do something different because boxing, it may look all glitter and glamour… but your dad been through hell in the sport.” This statement reflects his desire to protect his children from the hardships he faced as a professional boxer.
His approach contrasts sharply with that of other famous athletes, such as Floyd Mayweather, who actively trains his grandson in boxing techniques. While many see boxing as a prestigious legacy to pass down, Crawford’s decision showcases a deep commitment to his children’s well-being over the allure of fame and fortune.
As he transitions from one chapter of his career to the next, having achieved his goal of defeating Canelo, Crawford’s focus shifts to what’s next. The question remains: how will his legacy evolve now that he has reached such heights in the sport? Will he continue to fight for titles, or will he shift his energy towards mentoring the next generation in a different capacity?
The boxing community and fans alike are eager to see what Crawford’s future holds. His honesty about the dangers of boxing and football, alongside his commitment to his family, paints a picture of a champion who is not only concerned with his legacy in the ring but also with the legacy he leaves as a father. As we await his next moves, the dialogue around athlete parenting continues to grow, prompting many to reflect on the pressures placed on young athletes and the choices that shape their futures.
As Crawford himself encourages, the journey is not merely about competition; it’s also about making informed decisions that foster a healthier environment for the next generation. What are your thoughts on Crawford’s stance? Is it time for a change in how we view sports in the context of parenting? Join the conversation in the comments below.