Penn State's Yetur Gross-Matos plays for a purpose after unimaginable tragedies | College GameDay

Penn State’s Yetur Gross-Matos is one of the top defensive players in the country, but before his college football career began in Happy Valley, his life was shaped by two unimaginable family tragedies involving the deaths of his father and brother.
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[@emmeelou9539]

How incredibly sad. To suffer two incredible losses at such a young age. What a strong and amazing human being.

[@debrawillard3034]

oh, yetur, i feel your pain . ilost my father when i was 11 and my stepfather in 2009 and my only child james at 19 . i feel for u , son!!

[@debrawillard3034]

i was 11 and brother s were 9 and 8

[@sexyscorpio8087]

ABSOLUTELY!!! GOD'S PLAN💝💝💝💝💝💝💝💝💝R.I.P. Little ANGEL.

[@rhettarmstrong]

There is a reason for you being here

[@bwalto21]

That's rt

[@donnie9724]

You can hear the pain in his voice

[@Kensworld28]

Wow. I can't even imagine the weight of this man heart. Bless up.

[@ot-xx6il]

An adult heart has a mass of 250-350 grams (9-12 oz). the heviest heart weighs 400 pounds, is about 5 feet long, and - when in action - pumped about 60 gallons of blood with every single heartbeat certainly fathomable not unimaginable

[@mtednby21]

I root for this kid so much very well mannered, do this for youre family man you got this

[@iceg1239]

As a Michigan fan I got rlly upset over the loss against penn state. Now I feel nothing but glad. I hope Yetur does nothing but the best later on.

[@jeffjeffrey8039]

Update: He declared for the NFL Draft after a standout junior season at Penn State. He is expected to get drafted in the 1st round of the 2020 NFL Draft, going 18th overall to the Dolphins.

[@timclimer6348]

the Cowboys would benefit from him at 17

[@itsmeitsme9526]

Welcome to miami

[@readyreddd9925]

TIM CLIMER I got him... Kinlaw.. Ruggs 1st rounders

[@owensullivan7787]

He was just mocked to the Seahawks

[@TheSwaggedOutRapper]

It’s a mock. He’s rn being projected to go from pick 15-25. I have him going 23 to the patriots

[@nickpropst4938]

Yetur’s handled the adversity well. Feels good to see signs from God that things that you know exist still exist even if they aren’t visible to everyone. Those bonds he has are with him and immortality. No one can touch or even come close to understand the relationship he had with his dad and brother.

[@captaingalaxy8009]

My God, not once, but twice this young man's life was filled with tragedy. Some people would just give up, but Yetur came through. And from that, he found a positive that of his older brother looking down on him, and being there with him in spirit. Hard to hold back the tears, but after watching this, I said to myself, Yetur had a very strong will. God bless you, Yetur. And to your family as well. Nittany fan or not, I wish you the best. My story.

[@Cwalkerhonor]

Woww struck by lightning ?! I wasn’t expecting that AT ALL but god bless this family 🥺💗

[@playa1877]

Mother Nature can be so cruel sometimes

[@mraverybrown4621]

Wow... I can’t even begin to imagine, that type of pain. Yetur’s family are survivors- beyond football. This speaks volumes- Yetur is marked for purpose, for sure. Continued prayers of grace and strength to him, his mom, and their entire family. ✊🏿❤️

[@corbenashford1331]

I watched this for the first time after the game on Saturday and I'm a Michigan fan and man it just reminds me of how little this game really is, I think about Ronnie Bell dropping that pass and how much it meant to him and that team and the fans. But then I watch this and its just a reminder, like Ronnie should go watch this because no matter what anyone says no one is dying over this game and I think everyone fan or foe, should commend this young man for his courage, and his resiliance. Its just a game This was life and death

[@-messi4barca-781]

He went to my high school. Such a great guy

[@jciradelgado3078]

Who ever disliked this has no respect. Bless you.

[@ChoogFOE]

Luvpeace711 Sousa fr I hope it was just out of them being unbearable to continue to watch this

[@roamingbisonproductions332]

Welcome to the panthers family Yetur! So freaking stoked!!!!! Keep pounding baby!

[@jamesdecoursey6326]

I will be routing for you as a player forever now.

[@TheLastRivian]

I can’t wait to see what his life produces. What a beautiful young man and that family is touched by God. Your father and brother are constantly by your side, sir. We all are.

[@SirTito57]

The GOAT was finally drafted🙌🙌

[@ghosttowntomato]

How can you watch this and not tear up?

[@brandonmay8096]

Welcome to Carolina my man! We are so glad to have you! Cheers to success, love, peace, and longevity.

[@edv959]

The newest Carolina panther. Beyond proud to have him on my team

[@joshuamccaulley7040]

Go get em tonight man, they'll be watching. God Bless.

[@debrawillard3034]

yes, and they have the best seat in the house!!

[@moriaht.7397]

Welcome to Carolina Yetur. You're special my dude!

[@playa1877]

Football saved his life Welcome to the Panthers Yetor!!! Im a fan now

[@calvinhempel3113]

I had the pleasure of talking to him at one of my high school workouts with my football team. I had absolutely no idea the things he’s went through. It just brings my respect for him to an even crazier level. I can’t wait to see him at the next level.

[@lmao1793]

6:14 man that just give me goosebumps

[@CoreyPorter420]

So glad he's a Panther. But I'm so sorry & sad for his families losses. Prayers to them.

[@giannimolluso5846]

Such horrible tragedies for a Young Man to experience. I'm very happy for him and hope he has an amazing football career. God Bless.

[@TheKraken32]

I hope they do well this year and I hope he does great this game

[@jondill6024]

I’m here for perspective and to recharge my gratitude. Mission accomplished. The next time I feel like something is too tough I’ll remember this.

[@yws4645]

I’m not crying... I’m not crying... I’m not crying... Okay, I’m crying. 😢

[@carolinapanthers4271]

Welcome to Carolina MAN ✊✊✊

[@johnscherer2761]

He went to the Panthers love this dude. I am a big panthers fan so yeah.

[@FINEDIAMOND]

My thoughts are with him. What horrible things he has been through in his young life. My heart goes out to him and I wish him peace, love, and many blessings.

[@cesaresquivias7940]

Much respect to you Yetur! Rooting for you man cant wait to see what you do in the future! Good luck on this years draft!

[@michaeljudge852]

what a man and a player. go ball out for ur dad and brother ygm. god bless

[@vincevargas7892]

What a story, what an incredible young man. Didn't know his story until he signed with the 49ers. Rootin him on Big Time.

[@cloudz1009]

You can hear the pain in this mans voice it’s sad

[@genetm.19]

It’s very sad story in that age carrying all this is very hard have faith be strong bro

[@johannakline2899]

This young man is amazing. What tragedies. He’s so very strong. ❤️

[@Jaydeeyo54]

This hurts, I'm 29 and my Dad was and is the strongest reason I am who I am, he introduced football to me, I can honestly say I wouldn't be me if he weren't apart of my life... this man lost his dad before he could remember him, lost his big brother while they were both kids, I'm a Panthers fan, and we drafted YGM, if you happen to read this comment my dude, know that I'm hoping and praying for your success in life, not just the football field, I can't imagine the pain you feel, but walk tall my my dude, keep pounding

[@jmo2944]

We'll see you on Sundays! Go make that money!

[@zhariyadavis8391]

🥺🥺He’s so strong,brave && confident . THEY ARE ALWAYS WITH YOU ❤️‼️keep ya head up !!

[@lukejames411]

Wish this kid much success and many blessings

[@frugalfamilyfarmhouse1812]

Tears

[@Jim-pz5jb]

He’s going places in life

[@fellinsoccer14]

What an incredible story. This man will be a raider come April. He’s got Mayock written all over him

[@T7Midnight]

“I felt his power”

[@morganadjapong6409]

i used to go to school with Yetur and i would have never known he went through anything like this, all I saw in the hallways was a tall dude always smiling & being goofy & he went through all of this at such a young age. we never really spoke, but bless his heart. what he's doing is amazing & he deserves the world.

[@shaileshsaigal5193]

You and your family are an inspiration. Although I am a Michigan fan you are my fan for LIFE! Keep strong and I can not wait to see you play in the NFL! Kick some royal heinie :-) Panthers rock!

[@user-ir7op7vw3v]

Just gained another fan brother. I'm rooting for ya keep going hard

[@CrewsTheWildDawg]

For him to go through all of that hardship and to currently play like a first round pass rusher, I have the utmost respect for Yetur. I wish him the best for his future.

[@gevalia8997]

So strong and such a good heart ❤️

[@treycasey1675]

What a strong individual for being able to still be here and live for them. Truly amazing❤️

[@hopepatterson5351]

I’m crying 😭😭😭

[@stevent4955]

What a story ! It’s amazing how some people can overcome such tragedy . God bless you & may your brother Rest In Peace

[@mareyplana8358]

Such a strong young man

[@Moonroofmusik]

Go win man you got it

[@GoldenGod69]

This dudes a beast, stay strong and keep pushing my boy

[@bradleyparker234]

I don't really know yetur. Cuz he younger than me. But I remember when his father died down Uncle Lawrence saving him. And remember when his brother died. On the night of the draft I just realized this brother is my third cousin. Good luck cuz

[@Afiyaghana]

Xoxoxo nephew. You are loved and never alone, even in your solitude.❤️❤️❤️ Even the strong needs a hug.

[@davehanson455]

What a sad story. What an outstanding young man. They are with you always

[@flxghtt3732]

This man deserves nothing but the best. What an incredibly strong man to be able to talk about something this deep and still turn something positive about it. All love man keep it up and do your thing.

[@YONCE8701]

What a beautiful strong soul!

[@Laura-hl6mp]

Ripped my heart right out of my chest! 😢

[@jonathanglamm7891]

So powerful.

[@soxsammyx0x288]

Oh my 🙏

[@mariosanchez9652]

This really hit the heart

[@dariussheard5242]

God bless you and your family you can just hear the hurt his voice this is so sad 😢😢

[@jaylay3773]

Very happy to have you in Carolina!

[@Blessed2bhere34]

I thought my life story was tragic and it has been rough but you never know someone can be doing just as bad as you are. Thank God for Hope and being able to have the faith to make it through anything with God.

[@yjallen]

Very eerie. Wow.

[@ethanbishop5487]

This story was very sad man. Can’t believe this guy has been through so much and still found a way to get through it

[@avian9033]

Nebraska fan here, Yetur has got a new fan and I'll be quietly rooting for Penn for a while now

[@cuudah]

Man just imagine . Strong soul right here . Praying for you man

[@sakinasunshine1154]

Beyond sad. I can't even imagine.

[@XoeCox]

A lighting hit. Wow!!! 😳😢

[@philipjewel2748]

Praying for u brother

[@armydude4life6149]

Perseverance in the face of adversity...Look forward and remember

[@user-bf5bh4bi9y]

God Bless! Good luck tonight..... from Illini Nation! We suck, we know it.... 😞😂 We did win today though! BIG10 BABY! 💜

[@Boxreacs]

definition of a soldier ✊🏾

[@urlocaldeadgirl3863]

I went to school with yetur. He was such a great person then and he’s a great person now. He even got the highest amount of money in scholarships when he graduated that year. So proud :)

[@adamreeser1219]

now he’s being drafted in the first round in the 2020 draft! that’s crazy.

[@fuckupsomecommas]

I’m rooting for him man

[@mnmgaming4mnmgaming422]

Prayers🙏❤️📖✝️

[@MasterCheeks2998]

Pat Lilly would always tell us how amazing you are last year yetur

[@godaddy54]

My god this poor kid 😢 I couldn’t even imagine 😢😩🥺

[@uptastree]

That’s wild!

[@billclinton2094]

This really made me sad good job on that win vs Michigan last night

[@CoachZaCornell]

I'm not a Penn State Fan but I'm a love a good motivational story.

[@miabowles821]

My home state! This is so sad 😢

[@fashiongoat3952]

God bless 🖤

[@brittanycarlin9513]

wow. what a man and a family and a player. his brother was there. and I am a michigan state fan but I hope the lions won that game. I will forever root for this man. such an inspiration and I hope his life is nothing but success and hopefully he will make it in the nfl

[@chasetaddonio4203]

i’m a psu fan and this is why he is my favorite player.

[@baneherrera2270]

God bless him ❤️

[@majorscarries]

Your mom is so right. You have a purpose and your dad and your brother are watching over you. Wishing you the very best life has to offer. Keep your chin up knowing you have Angel's looking down on you.

[@MrExtraFINESSEtrial]

BATTLE life adversities and obstacles make you a sure Winner beyond Football... Yetur possess the “will to win” build around players like him

[@maggiemerlino3232]

this is so awful its just heartbreaking they were both such unexpected freak accidents❤️❤️🙏🙏

[@ram1460]

I’m happy he’s a 49er🙏🏼🙏🏼

[@johndillinger4392]

Thumbnail I thought that was a young will smith

[@tthomas3427]

I did too!! They should've asked him to play in Gemini Man😏

[@raytayboogie]

I swear! Lol

[@NotChiefsGaming]

that’s sad. He said he feels the guilt for the death of his father, which is horrible. Something he couldn’t even control at his age. Hope my Chiefs take him to set up the edges with Clark, who also tragically lost his father and other family in a house fire. No matter where he goes though, I hope he goes somewhere where he’s comfortable and can play with passion.