An ordinary day turned into an unthinkable moment. Ericka Lassiter bravely shares her soul-crushing story of sudden loss, the complexities of navigating grief, and the inspiring journey of finding strength and purpose amidst the darkness.

A Heartbreaking Phone Call

It began as a typical Sunday afternoon, filled with the comforting rhythms of family life. Ericka and her husband, Kwamie, were enjoying a quiet moment at home, looking forward to a movie date later that day. Kwamie, a 49-year-old former NFL player, decided to head to the gym, a familiar routine he often shared with their sons. Ericka was in the kitchen, lovingly preparing dinner, when a phone call shattered the peace.

It was the hospital. Kwamie had suffered a heart attack.

In that soul-crushing instant, Ericka’s world crumbled. Racing to the hospital with her sons, a frantic mix of prayers and disbelief filled her mind. But upon arrival, the devastating truth awaited them – Kwamie was gone.

“The screams from that room,” Ericka recalls, her voice thick with emotion, “that’s what haunts me the most. I never thought they were going to tell me he didn’t make it.”

The First Year: A Heavy Burden

The initial weeks and months were a blur of grief, shock, and overwhelming change. Ericka found herself navigating a new reality, one filled with immense sorrow and the challenge of supporting her college-aged sons as they, too, grieved the loss of their father. The weight of loss was relentless, a heavy fog threatening to engulf her.

Ericka describes the first year after Kwamie’s passing as the heaviest. “January 6, 2019, to January 6, 2020, was the heaviest for me,” she shares. Sleepless nights, a lack of appetite, and the constant ache of missing her husband made each day a struggle.

But amidst the darkness, Ericka found strength in her faith. She clung to God’s promises, repeating verses that whispered she was not alone. “He will never leave you nor forsake you,” she would remind herself. “His will not my will.”

Her sons, affectionately referred to as her “dem Lassiter boys,” also became her pillars of support. Despite their own grief, they stepped up with a maturity beyond their years, a testament to their father’s legacy. Together, they formed an even stronger family unit, bound by love and a shared commitment to honor Kwamie’s memory.

Kwamie’s impact extended far beyond his family. As Arizona Cardinals president Michael Bidwill eloquently stated, “Kwamie came to the Cardinals as an undrafted rookie free agent. He not only became a key contributor to our team for eight seasons but continued to make an impact on this community after his playing days ended. He will be missed greatly.” This sentiment echoes the profound loss felt by Ericka and her sons, a loss that reverberated throughout the community he touched.  

Honoring a Legacy of Community Impact

Kwamie’s dedication to his community shone brightly even after his football career ended. He founded the Kwamie Lassiter Foundation, an organization dedicated to raising awareness for the challenges children face growing up, including health issues like sickle cell, cancer, and obesity.

Ericka, carrying on her husband’s legacy of giving back, now spearheads the foundation and has established the Annual Kwamie Lassiter Memorial Golf Classic. This event not only serves as a beautiful tribute to Kwamie’s memory but also actively continues his mission of supporting children in need.

Navigating Complex Emotions and New Responsibilities

Grief is a complex and often messy process. Ericka experienced a whirlwind of emotions, including anger and frustration, especially as she learned of things she hadn’t known about her husband’s life. Yet, she refused to let negativity consume her. “I never let that change who I was or my desire to keep his legacy alive,” she states firmly. “I honestly can’t say I was angry, just mad, but never at God.”

The sudden loss of her husband also brought a wave of new responsibilities. Ericka had to navigate single parenting, manage the household, and make major decisions alone, all while dealing with the emotional turmoil of grief. There were moments of doubt, times when she questioned her ability to handle it all. But she learned to lean on her faith, trusting that God would provide the strength she needed.

Finding Joy and Fulfillment

As time passed, Ericka began to see glimpses of a future beyond the grief. Small moments of joy, shared laughter with her sons, and a renewed focus on her passions reignited a spark of hope within her. She realized that even in the face of immense loss, life could still hold beauty and meaning.

The path forward wasn’t always clear or easy. Ericka found herself juggling a multitude of responsibilities – supporting her clients, running two nonprofit organizations, holding an officer role in her sorority, and being a good sister, aunt, friend, and realtor. “There were days when it all felt overwhelming, and I wasn’t sure how I could keep going,” Ericka admits. “But I kept moving forward, step by step, even when it felt like too much. Somehow, in those difficult moments, I found the strength to carry on.”

Amidst the challenges, Ericka also discovered solace and purpose in giving back to others, connecting with friends and family, and honoring Kwamie’s memory. She even started an annual memorial golf tournament through their foundation, a way to celebrate his life and keep his legacy alive.

A Message of Hope for Others

Ericka’s journey is a testament to the resilience of the human spirit. She has not only survived the unimaginable but has emerged stronger, finding renewed purpose and joy in her life.

To other women navigating the complexities of loss, she offers these words of encouragement:

• Allow yourself to feel. Grief is a journey, and there’s no right or wrong way to experience it. Allow yourself to feel the full range of emotions, and don’t be afraid to reach out for support when you need it.
• Trust your inner strength. You are stronger than you know. Even in your darkest moments, trust that you have the resilience to carry on.
• Take care of yourself. Grief takes a toll on your physical and mental health. Prioritize rest, nutrition, and activities that bring you comfort.
• Honor your loved one’s memory. Find ways to celebrate their life and keep their spirit alive.
• Hold onto hope. With time, the pain will soften, and you will find joy again.

In Conclusion: Love and Resilience

Ericka’s story is of profound loss, unwavering faith, and the enduring power of love. It’s a story that speaks to the heart of every woman who has faced the unimaginable, reminding us that even in the darkest of nights, the human spirit can find a way to shine.

Through her resilience, Ericka has transformed her pain into purpose, her grief into a force for good. Kwamie’s legacy lives on not only in the hearts of his family but also through the foundation that bears his name, continuing to make a difference in the lives of countless children.

Ericka’s journey is of hope, illuminating the path for those navigating the complexities of grief. It is a powerful testament to the enduring nature of love, the strength we find in family, and the resilience of the human spirit. Though the ache of missing Kwamie may never fully fade, Ericka and her sons carry his spirit with them, a reminder that even in the face of profound loss, life can still be beautiful, meaningful, and full of hope.

Biography

Ericka Lassiter, widow of former NFL player Kwamie Lassiter, is a dedicated philanthropist and entrepreneur. A graduate of Norfolk State University, she balances motherhood, community work, and her real estate career in the Phoenix Arizona area. Passionate about giving back, Ericka led the Off the Field NFL Wives Association and now heads The Kwamie Lassiter Foundation. She also serves on several boards, including The Sickle Cell Foundation of Arizona. A proud Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. member, Ericka truly embodies the spirit of service and resilience.

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