Tragedy struck
Last year wasn’t a year to remember for Addison. Tragically, he lost his brother who was shot and killed in his hometown of Birmingham, Ala. Gun violence is a known entity of the area and it has struck Addison’s life in the past. According to the Panthers’ team website, Addison’s brother Gjamal Antonio Rodriqcus was shot and killed on the night of October 27th. Addison was boarding the team’s flight from a game in San Francisco against the 49ers when he found out.
The following week, he didn’t play, understandably.
In a show of support, his teammates draped his jersey over the bench on the sideline during that contest as a sign of support. In addition, even though Addison missed the game, then-Panthers head coach Ron Rivera made a classy decision, giving Addison the game ball:
The team dedicated this game to Mario Addison.
We miss you @HIT_STIQ4 đź’™#KeepPounding pic.twitter.com/oJqmL8AO4h
— Carolina Panthers (@Panthers) November 3, 2019