Tears Threaten to Spill as Allen Iverson Stutters Recounting a Life-Saving Event: “He Did That…Coz of Mommy”

Some people come to define great athletes’ careers. Usually, the saying goes for moments. However, the contributions that a select few have on the great ones’ journey are undeniable. For Allen Iverson, pound-for-pound the greatest player in NBA history, that role came in the form of his college coach. It is, perhaps, a testament to the impact Coach had on the Philadelphia 76ers legend that no additional information about him is necessary.

Alongside his mother, Coach John Thompson would form the backbone for Iverson. Just one mention of the legendary influence while on The Starting Five podcast with DraftKings had the 6-foot-guard feeling emotional. “Coach saved my life, you know what I mean?” But Thompson would never let AI know the reason he stuck with him directly to his face.

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“He’ll tell you he did that for me coz of mommy, you know.” But he also gave AI some of his fondest memories. “The greatest feeling that I ever had was when Coach and I used to talk in the bathroom after the games.” 

But this isn’t the first time the Denver Nuggets legend has given Thompson respect and admiration for the impact he had on his career and life. Who could ever forget the iconic letter he penned for John?

Allen Iverson and the iconic letter

When Thompson passed away, the 4x scoring Champion would pen one of the most heartbreaking and devastating letters to the former coach of Georgetown. Whether it was giving credit for saving his life or explaining how he would look down and smile at him, from start to finish the letter was gut-wrenching.

In the years since he has given many accounts of his time at the college.  Whether it was the situation that made him cry or even the lessons Coach taught him, the respect and love AI has for him is palpable in every instance. With another heartfelt message, Iverson continues to tug at the heartstrings.

Is there a better connection than the ones Allen has with his mother and Coach Thompson?

Read More: “Hoping That I Made You Proud”: Allen Iverson Pens Emotional Message to Former Coach John Thompson