Carolyn Marshall: When Todd Walker started coaching football 15 years ago, he focused on teaching city youth the game's fundamentals: how to pass, block and tackle.
But after several former players were killed, Mr. Walker decided to include a life lesson: the importance of staying out of trouble in East Bay neighborhoods ravaged by gangs, guns, drugs and poverty.
Mr. Walker, 45, a coach with the Berkeley Cougars Youth Football and Cheerleading Association, part of a national league, put together a program "to scare kids straight" by showing them what happens to victims after the fatal gunshots or stab wounds.
But after several former players were killed, Mr. Walker decided to include a life…
Keep reading with a membership
This story is for Gangrey members. Join to read it in full, unlock the archive, and support narrative nonfiction.
Become a MemberAlready a member? Sign in
Leave a comment