Beneath the glitz and glamor of the NFL world, some individuals silently fight against sickle cell disease. It’s certainly more common than you think. This genetic blood disorder brings challenges, from excruciating pain to increased infection risk. But amidst the struggle, advancements in medical care offer hope, and 49-ers RB Tevin Coleman is a star example.

He wasn’t aware that he carried sickle-cell disease until he suffered from fatigue during soccer training. Despite struggling to finish practices, he never gave up. However, it was a hard pill to swallow when, in 2017, Tevin and his wife Akilah discovered that one of their twins, Nazaneen, would have unique health needs thanks to this heart-wrenching disease.

Tevin Coleman and Akilah’s Battle Against Sickle Cell

Despite facing challenges on the field, Tevin Coleman has proven himself a valuable asset to the 49ers. His record of five touches for 70 yards and two scores is a testament to his hard work and dedication. However, the star San Francisco 49ers RB has not always been just a player but has used the NFL platform to raise awareness for sickle cell. After all, it was tough to know how his, then 4-months old daughter, would have to push through the effects of this disease.

However, Tevin and Akilah quickly learned much about managing Nazaneen’s symptoms but weren’t ready to go public with their story immediately. “I just wanted to protect my daughter when I first learned she first had it,” Tevin has now shared. “I wanted to protect her — from the public, from everybody. So that’s why I didn’t say anything at first.”

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However, in a recent interview with Inside, San Francisco 49ers running back Tevin Coleman opened up about how the duo manages the disease with a “playbook.” In this 40-second spot released earlier this month, Coleman and his wife Akilah outline their experience and share how “Communication is big for us and our daughter every day. Proactive care is vital for people living with sickle cell.”

Raising Nazaneen’s Fierce Spirit by Eliminating the Fear of the Disease

For Coleman, juggling Nazaneen’s sickle cell disease with the fact that she is only four years old is part of the reality. He and Akilah work to keep Nazaneen focused on what she enjoys doing while also working to prevent a pain crisis and hospital visits. “We merely instill in her the skills of self-care and pain recognition. We show her how to see that through a child’s perspective.” Though Tevin and Akilah say Nezerah doesn’t know his twin sister’s diagnosis, they feel like “it’s almost as if he knows.”

But the efforts don’t end here. It is heartwarming to know that this NFL running back put up his game-worn cleats for auction to benefit the Sickle Cell Disease Association of America. They made the cleats keeping Nazaneen in mind. That’s why they’re extra special. Also, he recently bought a beautiful double-sided diamond pendant that features his two lovely children. We believe the spirit of family keeps you going, doesn’t it?

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