Ratliff practiced last Friday and played against Chicago on cheap nfl jerseys
Sunday after learning of the death of both his grandmother and grandfather, Aretha and Willie Ratliff, who were caught in a tragic house, fire in Hahira, Ga. on Sept. 16. He watched film of the Week 2 loss with his teammates on Monday, but missed practice on Wednesday and Thursday to attend their funeral.
Ratliff returned to Valley Ranch for practice on Friday, and spoke afterward about his experience dealing with the heartbreak.
What's been the toughest part of all of this?
Ratliff: I lost my grandfather, a man who helped raise me, helped me become the man I became. It was real hard, but I went down there hurting really bad and came back feeling proud and motivated, for two reasons. With everything that happened before, with my grandfather's funeral and all the support I got from my team, and then what Jerry (Jones) did for me and my family that meant a lot. I don't know if he really realized how much that meant to my family. Of course, if you do something like that for my family, they're never going to forget you. And D-Ware and a lot of people on the staff sending flowers, they just made friends for life. I'm never going to forget them.
Jerry let you borrow his jet?
Ratliff: Yeah, he gave me his plane, sent flowers, things like that. He could be anywhere in the world, doing anything, and for him to take time out of his day to think about one of his players and to help him out the best way he can, that was really thoughtful of him, and it's greatly appreciated.
How tough was it for you to play last week?
Ratliff: It was tough. But I know that's what my grandfather would've wanted, me to be here, be around the team so I won't be by myself thinking a lot. That was the best thing for me to do, and I'm glad I did it.
Wade Phillips also said he thought it was good for you to be 49ers jersey
around your teammates?
Ratliff: Yeah, I told him that. I also talked to my dad about coming down, and he said the same thing, "Just stay there, work with your teammates and trust me, you'll be glad that you did." And he was right, again.
Football teams are called families a lot of times. Was this an example of how close your defensive line group and the rest of the team are?
Ratliff: That's why I say I feel so motivated to be back here. Guys that I don't really talk to as much - nothing between us - but even those guys stepped up and called me, sent me a text message, and told me their prayers were with me, things like that. It's something simple, something very simple, but it just went a long way with me.
Your grandmother passes away because she wouldn't leave your grandfather's side in the fire. What does that say about love?
Ratliff: That's one thing about my family - we love hard. We love real hard. And that's what I'm trying to bring to this team. I love each and every one of those guys on this team, and I'm going to play my heart out for them. If there's anything they need from me, they've got it. No doubt about it.
Do you feel like your grandfather's spirit is still with you?
Ratliff: I feel like it. His blood is rushing through my veins. I'm very proud of Saints jersey
that. He's a World War II vet. One thing is he never, ever complained about anything. He was a double amputee, he lost his sight, and so many things went wrong with him. And I can honestly say I never, ever heard him complain. His attitude, his high-energy spirit, none of that changed. He was a strong, strong guy, physically. But mentally and spiritually he was just as strong. He had it made up in his mind he was going to live his life to the fullest every single day. And I feel like since I've been back here, that's what I'm going to do for the rest of my life, just live my life to the fullest, no matter what. Just try to find the best in myself and only show that.
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