Many people around the world are mourning the tragic passing of probably the most influential person of Japanese culture coming to the western part of the world, Akira Toriyama. The creator of some of the most impactful manga and anime series such as Dragonball, Dragonball Z, and Dr. Slump passed away on March 1st as a shock to many across the world.
His work, especially the wildly popular Dragonball series, has been a huge inspiration to so many. It may come as a surprise to some that the culture he built through his work has been a huge part of many athletes lives, especially with the NFL and the football world as a whole.
New York Jets Carl Lawson Jr.
“So instead of tearing up the stuff in my house, my dad was like, ‘All right, you need to stop watching this show and go play football, go do something.’ I feel like ‘Dragon Ball Z’ is definitely a main contributor to why I play football. It’s a gladiator-type mentality on that show, and it’s a gladiator-type mentality on the field.”
In a 2019 interview on “Good Morning Football”, Carl Lawson Jr., Defensive end of the New York Jets, stated that Dragonball was the biggest reason he started playing football. The main character in the series, Goku, has inspired many to become stronger and to strive to be the best version of yourself that you can be.
A Love For The Show Spread Across A Locker Room
In 2013, Mike Daniels, Former Defensive Tackle for the Green bay Packers, shared his love of Dragonball with his team. With this he learned many of his teammates shared the exact same passion. Eventually an entire locker room was bonded over this one love of Akira Toriyama’s work. In article titled “Meet the Geeks Who Can Take Your Lunch Money” posted on “The Ringer”, it goes into detail on how the team became closer and stronger through debates at training camp as well as even much of the team going together to see the 2014 Dragonball movie “Battle of the Gods”.
NFL Athletes Pay Tribute to Akira Toriyama
Since his passing, many former and current players have gone to Twitter and other social medias to show their love and gratitude of the work Akira Toriyama has spread through the world the past 45 years. “The creator of Dragon Ball, Akira Toriyama, has passed away at 68. He taught us that we all have a Goku in us and a Frieza to overcome.
We all need a Krillin to have our back, and a Vegeta to challenge us. Rest in Peace and thank you for giving us the Greatest Anime of All Time. Say Hi to King Kai for us.” Former NFL QB Robert Griffin III posted this message to his Twitter with many of his fellow NFL athletes retweeting it.
Inspiration Shown Across Football
Throughout the modern history of the NFL and NCAA, it’s easy to see the inspiration Dragonball and Akira Toriyama have brought to the sport. Through many inspired celebrations, such as Goku’s signature “Kamehameha Wave” preformed by Adam Butler after a huge sack during the 2021 week 13 game against the New York Giants. As well as the “Fusion Dance” celebration done by David Njoku and Darren Fells during the 2018 season. To the custom Dragonball inspired gear many players have worn throughout the league.
We all find strength and inspiration in different ways. Many of us have found this motivation through Akira Toriyama’s stories and made it our own. From a childhood that has stuck with us into adulthood and made us better people. Akira Toriyama, we thank you, and all hope to break our limits and go further than ever before.
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1 Comment
Senzu bean! 🫘