Bryant McFadden and former Pittsburgh Steelers team-mate Troy Polamalu were both in tears after an emotional letter written 12 years ago was read out on a podcast.
McFadden and Polamalu were team-mates at the Steelers for six seasons, and built a strong bond during their time at the organisation. McFadden's career ended prematurely due to injury, with the former cornerback being forced to retire aged 31 after repeated hamstring tears.
The former Steelers defenceman stated that his first "real love" was football, and that having his career ripped away from him was extremely "tough". Polamulu wrote him a letter at the time to lift his spirits, and McFadden read the letter out after inviting his friend on his podcast.
McFadden welcomed Polamulu onto the All Things Covered podcast, and shocked him as he unveiled the letter that was written 12 years ago. It was around Christmas time in 2010 when McFadden was struggling most, but Polamulu helped him with a small note.
"To my dear brother, Merry Christmas," the note began, as McFadden read it out on the podcast. "I know you're facing so much adversity, but in all truthfulness, I envy you for this reason.
"Everything that happens in our lives is for the benefit of our salvation, not necessarily for earthly joy or prestige. Continue to persevere, and you will have the greatest spiritual benefit, better than any ring or award can offer.
"Of course, thousands of people won't be able to witness your spiritual battle, but God sees all. This is what a personal relationship with our Christ is all about: it's about struggle for purity. Every day provides opportunities to humble ourselves and show Christ-like example.
"I watch and learn from you. You continue to persevere in humility. For this, I look up to you. I'm so thankful for you, for providing an encouragement to struggle. ... I love you, brother. Merry Christmas."
The message was still as wholesome as it was when it was first written, but the pair were both reduced to tears as McFadden explained how much it helped him. "I've kept this letter since then," McFadden told Polamalu. "I actually keep this letter in a safe.
"And oftentimes, for me personally, I read it. The reason I read it, bro, is because you didn't have to write me this letter. You didn't really have to pay attention to what I was dealing with. I kept this letter, still to this day.
"People see you sacking quarterbacks, getting interceptions, but this is who you really are. When you gave it to me, I told you thank you, but I didn't have a chance to tell you how much it really meant to me."
