Greenville High football coach wishes faith-based comments would’ve been shown in ‘Extreme Makeover’ appearance on ABC-TV
Miss it? Watch Sunday’s “Extreme Makeover” on ABC-TV (click here)
Greenville High football coach Jeremy Williams laughs after being teased on Monday by his assistants about his national TV appearance (Photo by AJC's Curtis Compton)
Greenville – ONE DAY after his heart-wrenching story was told to a national TV audience, Jeremy Williams was back in his comfort zone on Monday — coaching high school football in rural Georgia.
Some things have changed since last February’s taping for “Extreme Makeover” and Sunday’s night’s broadcast on ABC-TV, while other things have remained the same. Williams is progressively getting weaker from the terminal illness of ALS, or Lou Gehrig’s disease, but the coach’s faith and determination remain as strong as ever.
Williams had mixed feelings about the final edited version of the TV show.
“The whole experience was such a blessing,” he said. “My family and I are so thankful to so many people for everything they did for us.
“My only disappointment was that they cut my faith-based comments out. I’m the man I am because of God. Not because of my strength, but God’s strength. That’s how I can smile and say I have ALS.
“Everybody around here knows that, but I wish the nation would’ve heard that message, too.”
Williams, 38, has seen his health deteriorate a little further since the end of Greenville’s magical season last November. The Patriots, inspired by the resilient attitude of the fiery coach, posted an undefeated record in the regular season, finally losing in the playoffs to the eventual state champions.
Note to Williams from Greenville OL Kenarious Gates, who signed with UGA (AJC's Curtis Compton)
Before Monday’s spring practice at Greenville High, Williams closed his office door and put on an oxygen mask from a portable breathing machine for about five minutes. He uses it 3-4 times per day, including always before heading for the football field, to exercise his lungs.
Williams also had a feeding tube inserted above his rib cage after losing an alarming amount of weight (20 pounds) over a two-week period in February. He still has a healthy appetite and eats regular meals, with the tube providing necessary supplements. He has regained nearly half of the weight.
“They (doctors) said it was from muscle twitching, or fasciculation,” said his wife, Jennifer. “A person like that can burn 1,000 calories per day, and Jeremy couldn’t eat enough to make up for the loss.”
There are also little things noticeable at practice. Rather than parking his golf cart at the gate and walking the rest of the way, as he did last football season, Williams motored onto the field and sat for most of the two-hour workout.
When the coach gave instructions and demonstrations to his players on Monday, he stood for 10-minute intervals and then took a knee to finish observing the drill. He also has been fitted with a brace for his left foot, which was built at a 90-degree angle so Williams doesn’t have to lift his foot as high to carry it over his toes when walking.
Despite all the physical woes, Williams appeared to be upbeat and energetic among his players on Monday. He joked with a couple of freshmen running backs that they might be sitting behind him on sidelines next season if they didn’t learn how to cradle the ball properly. He also yelled with encouragement during five-on-five linemen drills.
Monday's spring practice (AJC's Curtis Compton)
But the talk of the day at football practice, around Greenville, and across the state was the family’s appearance on national TV. Rather than extensive remodeling, the “Extreme Makeover” crew bulldozed the Pine Mountain house of Williams, and built a new one to accommodate the health issues of the coach, along with those of his son, Jacob, who was born with spina bifida.
Among the other gifts presented were college scholarships to Columbus State for the couple’s two children, along with CVS picking up all the family’s unpaid medical bills through mid-February. Greenville High benefitted, too, as the athletic fieldhouse was renovated with new carpet and paint, weight-lifting equipment, and a state-of-the art computer editing system for breaking down game film. The Patriots were also awarded $25,000 worth of new uniforms, helmets, pads and shoes.
On Sunday night, Williams and his family watched the show on a big-screen TV with around 200 friends and family members at a firefighter association’s building in Columbus. Jacob, 7, stole the spotlight with his witty and timely comments during the season-ending episode.
“I think it went wonderfully well and was a good depiction of our family,” said Jennifer, who was recognized by customers at the LaGrange Wal-Mart on Monday.
Home, sweet home, for Williams family (AJC)
“They had your serious moments, and then they would follow it up with a lighter moment. So there was sniffling, and then there was a lot of laughing, especially when Jacob (chimed in) with comments.”
At school on Monday, the coach was congratulated by teachers and students, and took some good-natured ribbing from his assistants. “What was the deal with that 80s haircut in your prom photo?” joked defensive coordinator Tripp Busby.
Williams said he felt a sense of relief after the broadcast of the show. “We’re very thankful for everything, but we’re ready to get back to us being us … you know, a normal way of life. It was a great experience, but it wears you out being pulled in so many different directions.”
Note: I have been contacted by many people who request the email for Coach Jeremy Williams. It is available on the school’s website (click here).
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142 comments Add your comment
Faith?
May 18th, 2010
12:56 pm
I saw Hines play Football and B-ball at Forrest Park. Cheered at UGA and Pittsburgh. When he goes into the Hall of Fame. “Pro” not “College” he will be a Steeler.
Dee
May 18th, 2010
12:56 pm
Fred,
Whether you like it or not, looks like you have been instrumental in a flurry of prayers being sent on your behalf. God listens and answers prayers. My prayer is that you will feel the Holy Spirit when he speaks to your heart and you will listen.
Larry M
May 18th, 2010
12:58 pm
Go Fred, Go!
But you are wasting your time with many of the people on here. It is worthless to try and use logic and reason with people who refuse to utilize it themselves. If you stand around and argue with a fool, people watching won’t be able to tell who the fool really is.
They direct you to “study” the Bible as if it is an authority. Do they not realize that is no different than me writing a book with all sorts of kooky things in it – then pointing to the same book as authority for what I tell you is in the book? They challenge you to “prove” the Bible is untrue, when if fact the burden is on them to prove it is true. They tell you that their “faith” is what is keeping them going when times are tough. What this really amounts to is a Bobby McFerrin-style philosophy on life: “Don’t worry, be happy!” Which is fine, but don’t tell me it is something to be respected or admired. Folks, if your “faith” is so strong, why go to the doctor? Why put on your seatbelt when driving around? Why not let God protect you? Oh yeah, right – you rationalize your logical behaviors by saying “well, that is God working THROUGH the doctors, medicine, science, and seatbelts.” Hmmm. Sounds pretty un-faithful to me.
I enjoyed the show and I am happy for this man. He has a great family and community. But I agree – he shouldn’t be bitching now that they cut out his proselytizing. Frankly that would have detracted from the show for me.
Kevin
May 18th, 2010
12:58 pm
I have ALS too, God is a hoax, you would think someone with ALS would know that.
Army Ranger Dawg
May 18th, 2010
1:00 pm
How did Fred become the main topic of this conversation???? Fred…Good luck,sir. COACH…You have touched the life of a 14 year old football player from Brookwood…My son!!! We followed your story since football season and I would like to tell you THANK YOU!!!
abondservant
May 18th, 2010
1:04 pm
Fred, Good comes from God. Bad comes form satan. Good and bad coexist during this time period to allow you the free will to choose between good and evil. God hates the evil that is sickness and death. He sent His son to die so that evil would be defeated and our price for our own bad paid. He allows it to continue, for now, to give YOU the time and opportunity to choose Him and have eternal life. The coach, as a living continuation of what Christ did for us, is suffering from satan-inflicted illness so that you and others who do not believe have time to choose good – to choose God. He loves you THAT MUCH!
mr. man
May 18th, 2010
1:06 pm
oh look, another argument about gawd on the internet. cute.
Faith?
May 18th, 2010
1:07 pm
AJC led with the “Faith” as the topic. They have done a couple of articles on Coach. Coach is a great man, no doubt. AJC is stirring the pot.
Jackie Gramatas
May 18th, 2010
1:08 pm
My family was touched with ALS both through a family member and friend several years ago. The struggle is overwhelming but, your courageous spirit and faith was evident in the show Sunday evening without words spoken. Your statement lives and is strongly displayed in you and your family. I was especially touched by the love you and your wife share.
Thank you for sharing your story through Extreme Makeover…You have touched many people through your faith! My prayers are with you and your family!
Kevin
May 18th, 2010
1:09 pm
“eternal life” – abondservant, that makes no sense. Why would you live on earth for 70 so years then forever in “heaven.” If you really believe that crap – you are really gullible.
Ms V
May 18th, 2010
1:12 pm
God Bless Coach and his family !!!!!!!! Fred and these others folks are foolish if they think God isn’t real. I pray the God changes their hearts and opens their eyes before it’s tool late……..
JHG
May 18th, 2010
1:17 pm
Fred and others,
I once heard Jeremy Williams speak at our church and his opening comment was basically this; if he did not have this disease he would not be able to impact so many lives for Jesus Christ! That is our goal as Christians, to reach people and change lives. And whether you like it or not, he HAS impacted your life in the name of Jesus.
Ga Dawg
May 18th, 2010
1:17 pm
Great job AJC! To continue to follow this story and report the TRUTH about his faith. I’m so shocked and surprised and encouraged to see media report the truth and expose another “media’s” bias. This makes me look twice at how I generally feel the AJC leans these days. Great truths and a great read for everyone in my family. We are so moved by this awesomely inspiring story you have shared with us. Extreme Makeover staff hopefully learns something about what their heart needs through all this.
abondservant
May 18th, 2010
1:22 pm
Kevin, It wouldn’t make sense to experience these 70ish difficult years here on earth if there were nothing else beyond that. On the individual level at least, it would be pointless. Unless propagation of the species is reason enough for you.
WP
May 18th, 2010
1:22 pm
Fred one negative person.
veemmmgee
May 18th, 2010
1:24 pm
I would rather believe and be right, than not to believe and be wrong when we are looking in the face of God. God bless this Coach; he is an example of being a doer of the word. God didn’t promise that our road would be free of bumps, be He did promise that He would be there beside us. I pray that all of you posters that don’t have this assurance use this wonderful man and his family to find the true peace that only comes from a mighty God.
crose714
May 18th, 2010
1:25 pm
“Why would God bring cancer?” God is not the one who brings sickness and disease, God is the one who delivered us from sickness and disease. But he was wounded for OUR transgressions, he was bruised for OUR iniquities, the chastisement of OUR peace was upon him, and with his stripes we ARE HEALED. Isaiah 53:5. He is a good God and He is good all the time. John 10:10, The thief comes but to steal, kill and destroy, I (speaking of Jesus) have come to give life and life more abundantly. Forgive them Lord, they no not what they do.
Stan
May 18th, 2010
1:26 pm
I understand Fred’s point….but the evangelicals going after him strike me as odd. What if the coach was a Muslim and thanked Allah for giving him his strength….would you still be so quick to defend the man and his faith? Something tells me no. I am just making an observation here as someone who prides myself on being unbiased
yay
May 18th, 2010
1:27 pm
in 100 or so years, god worshippers will be in the minority. promise. humanity itself will look back and say, ‘man, i believed the silliest things when i was young.’ didn’t we all…
shaggy
May 18th, 2010
1:28 pm
AJC, for once, pay attention: It’s NOT Pine Mountain.(wrong side of the mountain) It’s NOT Pine Valley. (doesn’t exist there)
It IS PINE MOUNTAIN VALLEY, GA
Sheesh! Great story – Moronic writers and editors.
cj
May 18th, 2010
1:30 pm
god worshipping is an antiquated, nonsensical practice, yet i admit it’s a force for good (at least in today’s society, for the most part). that, however, doesn’t stop it from annoying the pants off of rational folks who can think for themselves instead of blindly believing what everyone tells them. pray all you want if it makes you happy, but don’t look down on us because we have different beliefs than you and your friends and give credit where credit is due like fred said, to the doctors and researchers and engineers who actively make our lives better.
somewhat on topic, my grandma died of als years ago. i’ve seen what that disease does to people. no truly benevolent deity would allow that.
stillamazed
May 18th, 2010
1:32 pm
Fred, You are absolutely right. The belief in an invisible man in the sky is completely irrational and has caused most of the wars through out the ages. The coaches story was great, he is a very strong man and has some very good medical help. Why can’t he acknowledge that? You people out there need to get a grip and take responsibility for your own actions.
shaggy
May 18th, 2010
1:39 pm
stillamazed:
Take responsibility for your own actions? Heck, not even the atheists do that these days. It’s too easy to moan and whine. Suck it up and move along, nothing more here to see.
30-24 Dawgs - WE RUN THIS STATE!
May 18th, 2010
1:39 pm
God Bless coach Coach Williams and his family for having such strong faith. Shame on ABC & the producers of Extreme Cover for cutting out the religious based aspect of this story..
Not a dry eye in the house watching Sunday night.
Shane
May 18th, 2010
1:39 pm
Fred,
Read the posts that people have posted on this one simple blog in this one simple state. How many people have said that this story has truly touched and impacted their lives. Then ask again, “where was God”? He was right there with Jimmy Williams. God has used this one man to touch many many many lives. Live in the real world or not, if you can’t find greatness in hearing this one simple mans story of what he has done in 38 short years of life will stick with quite a few of us for a long time. God sent US an angel and has given us the privlege of living our lives alongside him.
As for your comments of religion, When I was a young man my drill instructor barked the words that there is no such thing as an Atheist in fox holes.
Save your words my friend…
Semper fi
Paddy
May 18th, 2010
1:39 pm
AP…great suggestion. Honorary coach in the fall at UGA or Tech for one game. That way more folks can learn about this wonderful guy and family.
crose714
May 18th, 2010
1:40 pm
CJ, you are absolutely right, “no truly benevolent deity would allow that.” God delivers us, he doesn’t condem us. Still Amazed, I agree I think we can acknowledge the doctors and the physicians. I believe everyone on this planet has a purpose and a God ordained plan for their life. I think doctor’s are a gift from God. I also believe the Word and the Word says “blessed are they who believe without seeing.” I don’t see “the invisible man in the sky” but I know, and in all my travels, have seen, there is truly a good God. I apologize if that offends you.
shaggy
May 18th, 2010
1:44 pm
Hey, what about the old testament, where God was delivering to his enemies, for a good smiting, raping, and pillaging. Accordingly, whole populations were smitten, with not even a “you better get the he$$ out of here” demonstration-warning, kinda like Hiroshima was to the japanese..
crose714
May 18th, 2010
1:52 pm
Come on shaggy, you answered your own question. “Old Testament.” I thought we were talking about Christianity, you know, as in Christ. That’s New Testament and if God wanted to destroy whole populations, He would have done it long before now. Thank God the Word says He is “long suffering to usward.” 2 Peter 3:9 No matter how much you mock Him, ridicule Him, and belittle Him, He still loves you brother and I’m believing “by faith” you’ll come to know His goodness. “It is the goodness of God that brings people to repentence.” Not the fear that He is about to destroy whole populations.
JRay
May 18th, 2010
1:55 pm
Your family’s faith in God is wonderful. ALS is and awful disease that is very unforgiving. Only last year did I lose a close friend and colleague from this very fast moving illness. Unfortunately, his was diagnosed late and only left him with a very few months. My prayers go out to you and your family Jeremy. From what I seen on tv and in this article, you and your family will always walk with God. And to all you nonbelievers, I will pray for you also!!!!!…You better hope you are right!!!! Cause if you’re not, I don’t think any level of SPF will protect you!!!
Reverie
May 18th, 2010
1:58 pm
Hey, Fred Stevens. What a terribly small world you live in when you think you are the center of your universe. I really hope you can find faith in something bigger than you. Nobody seems to lack any appreciation for the skills of the Health Professionals that assist Coach Williams or the people that have helped him cope with his worldly cares. Having gratitude for a faith that sustains him is not a weakness. What it is really, is the acceptance of the world he lives in and will depart from at some time, and faith that his love will be experienced eternally. Maybe your love will also, I don’t know. I would imagine he just has a better sense of where he will eventually wind up.
Rob
May 18th, 2010
2:03 pm
What kills me about media companies is they have become so afraid to show opinions for fear of someone saying “Hey, you’re offending me… I’m not a Christian. I don’t believe in God”.. Blah blah blah
You know what? Who gives a flying F about that? By appeasing those that don’t want to hear anything faith based, is telling us Christians that we should hide our feelings while they go on being sure to tell everyone theirs. Man, we have become so backwards.
Jed
May 18th, 2010
2:11 pm
@ Fred,
I don’t think the coach was “bitching,” he just wished they hadn’t edited out what he considered the most important part of his dialog.
I used to be an atheist, a determined one. Through a series of odd events, I became a Christian. Two thoughts:
• Who said logic is against faith? As much as you would say we cannot prove the existence of the God of the Bible, you are equally unable to prove, by logic or otherwise, that He indeed does not exist.
• “Good God allowing evil.” This is a simple concept most Christians fail to preach and fail to understand, because it flies in the face of ever-popular humanism: original sin. In short, this world sucks, and crappy things happen to all kinds of people because humankind was given the choice of blissful obedience or willful disobedience, and we chose the latter.
WP
May 18th, 2010
2:15 pm
Just keep praying for the Williams Family. God will take care of the non-believers.
Thomas HCHS c/o 2000
May 18th, 2010
2:20 pm
I was privaledged enough to have Coach Williams as my track coach at Harris County High. He has always been a good stand up guy as a coach and a teacher. God Bless Coach Williams! we need more like him.
25-6!!!!!!!! You ruin this state!
May 18th, 2010
2:32 pm
God bless ABC for having a brain and cutting out the horse sh*t that is religious dribble. Go Jackets.
Mike Sloat
May 18th, 2010
2:41 pm
Great show, Great Family and yes…even a Greater God! God Bless Coach and Mrs Williams and their children. Jacob is a hoot.
Fred is a slug
May 18th, 2010
2:50 pm
Leave it to the Fred’s of this world to cast negativity to an uplifting story…
Atheist
May 18th, 2010
3:00 pm
Not everyone needs a god to live a meaningful life. HOWEVER if his god makes him a better man and capable of bearing his burden then so be it. The coach is a great inspiration. ABC is not some evil, liberal media machine. Plenty of faith comments have been on over the years of Extreme Makeover. The elements of the coach’s story were such that they edited as they saw fit. Luckily, the coach lives his convictions and from his demeanor it was obvious he had faith in his god. People need to be more like the coach. Less angry, more forgiving. No matter what inspires that forgiveness.
CNB
May 18th, 2010
3:00 pm
Praying for Coach Williams and his family….God didn’t “make” him sick with ALS. Illnesses and other bad things happen. It’s life. The Coach has chosen to believe in his almighty Father and knows their is a plan and purpose for his life. I’m thinking part of it is to serve as an example to the young men in the football program. What a wonderful role model. He is rolling with the punches. Not fighting life. Another part is to educate folks like Fred. Living life with grace is the best lived life. Focusing on the negative and wondering why God “let” something happen is existing not living. I’m praying for Fred as well.
truth
May 18th, 2010
3:06 pm
my problem is not with Fred–I served my country to give him and everyone else the right to speak their mind.
my problem is not with ABC–as they made a concious decision to cut what might be found offensive and alienate some of their viewers.
my problem is with the over sensitivity in our country for the minorities, but the lack of respect for the majority. we should all have equal rights, regardless of your religion or lack thereof, your race, you sexual orientation, your political preferences, you should have the same rights, nothing more, nothing less.
Fred, say what you want, I don’t have to read your comments, just as you don’t have to read mine.
I applaud the Coach. I admire his faith. I admire his family and his team. I wish him nothing but the best and I pray that each of us learns something from his story.
lefty fielder
May 18th, 2010
3:10 pm
Fred . . . stay out of Vegas.
You gamble so much for so little.
truth
May 18th, 2010
3:10 pm
woops, missed an “r” up there
fred is cool
May 18th, 2010
3:13 pm
fred wasn’t being negative in the slightest, just trying to inform you misled individuals that believe gawd ‘blesses’ people after he gives them a terrible, terrible disease.
Fred is a slug
May 18th, 2010
3:14 pm
Well said, Lefty Fielder….
grammymoe
May 18th, 2010
3:17 pm
Enough recognition to Fred. He doesn’t deserve it nor does he matter here. My husband has ALS. We were both in attendance on behalf of the ALS Association of GA at the reveal. I have not personally met this family, but from spending the day with the folks from their community, I can tell you that this was the most rewarding and inspirational experience I have had in quite some time. ALS is a devastating disease. When stricken with it, how easy is it to say how could God allow this. But as many others have said, Coach Williams has touched so many lives, young and old, before and after diagnosis. I believe EVERYONE has the right to their religious beliefs or lack of. I do NOT believe EVERYONE has the right to knock someone else’s belief. That said, Jeremy, Jennifer, Josie, and Jacob — as I pray for all PALS, I include your family. We are living the same life as you and I truly wish you all the best. In this life and beyond.
cj
May 18th, 2010
3:21 pm
to crose714, calling doctors a “gift from god” is insulting to them. doctors don’t just appear by the will of god, they dedicatedly put themselves through years of hard work and education. god doesn’t give doctors their skills, the doctors themselves work hard and earn them. you can’t explain everything with “god did it”, but you people sure as hell try.
Nick
May 18th, 2010
3:38 pm
If you watched that and were not touched in some way you do not have a soul. Thanks Coach for allowing us the opportunity to enjoy your family and that great moment with you. Wishing you nothing but the best…
Moops
May 18th, 2010
3:44 pm
25-6 – Hilarious you have to resort to a baseball score. But I guess when you can’t win in football, gotta grasp at something to keep your inferiority complex going. Anyways, this isn’t about football, so we’ll keep on topic…
crose714
May 18th, 2010
3:48 pm
CJ, no one said that doctor’s gifts “just appear by the will of God.” Of course they dedicated themselves through hard work and dedication. I certainly didn’t mean to offend you by suggesting that God had a purpose and a plan for everyone. I’m the one that suggested that God “didn’t do it” to Coach Williams and that the doctors were helping him and deserve credit. Not sure what the “you people” mean, but I’m sure you are a good person and, whether you believe it or not, I only have good thoughts for you and believe the best for you.