I can even begin to imagine what Williams Stanback is feeling right now. The former CFL running back took the field today for Raiders training camp following the death of both of his parents over a ten-day period.
His father, Williams Sr passed away on July 21st of bladder cancer. Nine days later, on July 30th, his mother suffered a heart attack and died as well. This first reported by ESPN’s Tom Peilissero.
#Raiders RB William Stanback has returned to camp after the passing of both his parents: dad William Sr. on July 21 from bladder cancer and mom Patricia on July 30 from a heart attack.
Incomprehensible tragedy for Stanback, the former CFL star who’s still determined to compete.
— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) August 11, 2020
Last week, Jon Gruden said one of the Raiders’ running backs “was excused for a while for a personal reason,” but didn’t mention who that was.
This tragic news comes a day after fellow Raiders running back Lynn Bowden announced he had lost his grandmother to COVID-19.
Stanback was signed by the Raiders in January to a reserve/future contract. He is attempting to break onto the roster after two successful seasons for the CFL’s Montreal Allouettes, including a 2019 season in which he rushed for 1093 yards and five touchdowns while averaging 6.4 yards per carry.
Our sincere condolences to Williams Stanback and his entire family.