More than anything , her father had wanted her to be the first in their family to attend college . Jevon Thomas , 45 , died of a rare cancer in April . The former NFL star was diagnosed with the disease at age 27 and had been battling it for years before his death. His illness led to financial hardship for his family . ` ` He was proud of what he did , '' Thomas ' daughter says .
Jevon Thomas , 45 , died of a rare cancer in April . The former NFL star was diagnosed with the disease at age 27 and had been battling it for years before his death. His illness led to financial hardship for his family . ` ` He was proud of what he did , '' Thomas ' daughter says .