BOBBY ENGRAM: IN HOT PURSUIT OF A CURE
Bobby Engram is familiar with the art of the chase. On the gridiron, that is. Now, with his foundation that launched in 2008, Bobby is chasing something else: A cure for sickle cell anemia–the disease that afflicts his 10-year old daughter.
To say that an interview with Bobby Engram was something that Hugbacker looked forward to would be an understatement. Everything we’d heard and read about the Seattle Seahawks’ wide receiver pointed toward good vibes, and a man we couldn’t wait to chat with. Regaled for his attributes on the field since his celebrated days at Penn State, the awesome Mr. Engram is scoring much more than touchdowns these days, raising awareness for sickle cell anemia via The Bobby Engram Foundation. Well-respected, articulate, and admired both on and off the field, Bobby, of course, blew the doors off all expectations. We came away with the picture of a man characterized by determination, warmth, humility, class…and lots of fun. In fact, we kinda didn’t want the conversation to end…
Keep reading for our full interview with Bobby…
Married for 12 years to his college sweetheart, Deanna, the Engrams have three children: Bobbi, 10, Dean, almost 9, and Trey, 3.
HB: Were you and Deanna shocked when you found out Bobbi had sickle cell disease?
BE: We were actually shocked when they told us before she was born that there was a possibility she could have it. Then of course it was confirmed at birth with a blood test. Neither of us were aware we carried the trait because no one in our families had the disease, and it just wasn’t something that was ever discussed. That’s one of the main things we hope comes out of this effort–that it opens up the lines of communication; yes, out in the public, but among families as well. We want to get everyone talking.
The Engrams at play: Trey, Deanna, Bobbi, Bobby, Dean
PHOTO: Mike Urban/Seattle PI
HB: What individual role do you see yourself playing in the cause?
BE: My thing is to be an advocate. To get people involved so we can find a cure. Obviously you need a lot of money to get funding going; we need advances toward research in finding a cure that’s more viable. The only potential cure right now is a bone marrow transplant, and that’s only available to a small group. But even then, there are big risks…so many tradeoffs. So my thing is to shine the light on it, bring awareness that eventually leads to a cure.
HB: Sickle cell is often said to be one of those underserved, under-researched diseases. Do you agree?
BE: Definitely. It’s one of those ebb-and-flow causes. People get behind it for a while, push hard, then things fizzle out. It’s on people’s radar right now and we want to keep it there–keep it elevated and have it stay there for the duration.
HB: Does the foundation support the cause on a national level, or are things more local for right now?
BE: We’ve made a few donations nationally, but most everything we’ve done is for local organizations, like Odessa Brown’s Children’s Clinic in Seattle, and the Metropolitan Seattle Sickle Cell Anemia Task Force. We’ve helped fund the Gertrude Dawson Scholarship, and paid in full for kids to attend the sickle cell summer camp at Vashon Island. Things are picking up steam, which is good. We just want it to continue. Real sustenance is what we’re striving for.
Receiving the President's Council Service Award
PHOTO: Dave Sizer
To name a few–cuz there wouldn’t be room for all of them–of the many honors he’s received on and off the field, including being voted the Seahawks’ Walter Payton Man of the Year in 2007, Bobby also won the Fred Biletnikoff Award in 1994 while at Penn State. We asked him about this oldie but goody, since Freddie is a Hugbacker fave.
BE: You know about that? Wow…yeah, that was such an honor. Fred’s a cool cat; that award meant a lot to me. And it was the first one they ever gave out–the inaugural!
Last November, Bobby was honored with the Presdent’s Council Volunteer Service Award, part of the NFL’s Play 60 campaign, for his efforts in encouraging kids to stay active and healthy. In the same month, he was one of 17 players named as a Home Depot NFL Neighborhood MVP. The program recognizes players making a positive impact in their local communities, and Bobby was rewarded with a playground built in his honor.
Helping build a playground for Tulalip Boys & Girls Club
PHOTO: Home Depot
HB: November was a big month for you in terms of awards!
BE: Yeah, those are both great programs. I was in the company of some really standup guys.
Last October, in the middle of the season, Bobby was invited to be the keynote speaker at the one-year anniversary of the Child Health Advocacy Institue (CHIA), one of the seven “Centers of Excellence” at the Children’s National Medical Center in Washington, DC. There, he announced a collaboration with CHAI to support activities on behalf of sickle cell families.
HB: How did you come to be involved with CHAI?
BE: I’d met Ruth Fisher (CHAI’s Director of Advocacy and Community Affairs) a couple years earlier and we stayed in touch. And this just seemed like the right time to form a partnership. It’s huge for us, to be part of what they’re doing. Collaborating with them will give us legs to really make an impact.
Bobby giving the CHIA keynote address and announcing a partnership with his foundation
PHOTO: Goldman/Van Riper
HB: When Bobbi encounters tough times with the disease, it must be hard for you and Deanna.
BE: The most difficult thing for my wife and me is to see Bobbi go through pain. Especially during the first few years of her life–it just ripped us up. She has muscle cramps so intense sometimes. So yeah, that part’s tough. But I don’t want to make it sound like her life is doom and gloom. She has a good quality of life, but there are things, activities, she needs to alter. Try telling a 10-year-old to stop playing for a while and take a rest, drink some water. She’ll say, ‘Why? I feel great.’ What scares me more though is what can happen over the course of her lifetime. The years of fighting the disease can take such a toll on your body; it can really ravage it. To hear some of the stories I’ve heard during the events and walks we’ve done. They’re just…man, they’re tough.
Bobbi and Bobby share their story at the Lenny Wilkens Celebrity Auction in 2007
PHOTO: Lenny Wilkens Foundation
HB: Does Bobbi eventually want to get involved in the foundation?
BE: She absolutely wants to champion the cause. She’s said ‘I want to be a spokesperson for kids,’ without any suggestion from us. And I’m all for it. Hey, if I can’t get this done in my lifetime, guess what? We have the same name; drop my “y”, insert her “i,” and there it is.
HB: As a kid, were you exposed to seeing people giving back? Was it part of your life growing up?
BE: I had a great example in my father. Just watching his unselfishness, and constantly being of service. He took care of everyone; not just the family, but everyone in the community. He coached me in sports, encouraged me in my studies, he was a great role model. I always felt there was something right about the way he related to people. My mom too, her values…just things like bringing groceries to people who can’t drive to the store. So I was definitely raised around it, and my wife and I feel the same need to serve.
HB: I know you’re committed to a very strong faith. Did that play a role in forming the foundation?
PHOTO: Dave Sizer
BE: No question. I do have tremendous people around me, helping with the foundation, but it’s still a huge commitment. Deanna and I wanted to make sure it was the right thing to do before we started this. Part of me thought, ‘How am I going to start a foundation?’ But we prayed on it. If you’re doing things for the right reasons, and serving… It all goes back to being a servant, Jesus was a servant. It felt right, so we stepped out on faith.
HB: What’s coming up in terms of events for the foundation?
BE: We’ve got our second annual softball tournament in June. The first one was great; about 15 to 20 guys from the team were there, and about 1,500 fans. This year we’re moving it to a bigger venue, Cheney Stadium in Tacoma. And we’ve got a walk coming up on August 30th in Seattle. We definitely want to add more events over time. We’re trying not to do anything in haste, but to really take our time to think about good, quality events.
Bobby and friends at the foundation's 2008 walk
PHOTO: Dave Sizer
HB: Okay, we have to ask a non-foundation question. You hold so many records at Penn State. Has anyone broken any of them yet?
BE: Just happened! A few months ago a guy named Deon Butler broke my receptions record.
HB: Yikes! How did you feel about that?
BE: Hey, records were made to be broken. Good for him. I think it’s great.
Penn State days
HB: You’re doing cool things, Bobby. Putting your name and actions on something significant.
BE: Thanks, I’m just hoping people will notice and want to get involved. Just trying to use whatever visibility I have as a platform for something that needs to happen. So hopefully we’ll have some lasting, profound effects. We’re in this.
HB: For the long haul!
BE: That’s it!
Bobby points to the first down, and to the way for a cure
PHOTO: Dave Sizer
