The best of us: Cameron Erving goes to prom

What really matters in life doesn’t happen on a field. Yes, sports are fun and can be the platform upon which greater things in life happen, but the constant obsession about wins and losses often distract from the real impact these athletes can have on the lives of others. Browns offensive lineman Cameron Erving was presented with such an opportunity for impact when he was given the chance to escort Elna Wright to her high school prom this past weekend.

Wright has cerebral palsy, needs to communicate through a computer, and is wheelchair bound. Lisa Roberson of The Chronicle-Telegram reported Wright was voted Homecoming queen this past October due to her classmates fully appreciating the grace with which she carries herself.

When Elna’s name was announced, it came as a surprise to no one. She was the queen of the night.

“Go Elna,” and “We love you, Elna,” came from every direction.

“I’m not surprised,” Elyria High Principal Tom Brown said from the sidelines. “Just knowing how everyone feels about Elna. Her smile lights up a room. Everyone sees that, everyone knows that.”

Elna’s crown was placed softly on top of a head of soft, closed-cropped curls. The sash was gently displayed across her body. Cameras and cell phones flashed to capture the moment, the ever-present smile on her face.

However, even the utmost highs of being crowned school royalty came with an associated low, two weeks after Homecoming, Wright’s boyfriend, Cody Wilson, died of a sudden illness. Upon this backdrop, Ebony Wright, Elna’s father, went onto social media without much time before the dance to see if a local athlete might be willing to escort his daughter to her high school prom. She loved Cleveland sports, had not yet been asked, and he wanted to ensure she got to experience everything that came along with high school prom.

Looks like @BigErv_75 and #ElnaWright are ready for prom! 😊 pic.twitter.com/R5RBifaSdP

— Cleveland Browns (@Browns) May 7, 2016

Social media might have it’s flaws, but the ability for connections to travel and personal networks to become community resources is not among the negatives. Soon, the message from Ebony found its way to former general manager Ray Farmer, who contacted team officials.¹ And Cameron Erving was not only willing to escort her, but he went all-out.

Katie Nix of the Chronicle-Telegram reported Erving had some difficulties finding a tux on short notice, but still managed along with a limo, and the whole shebang. He was not in it for merely a positive public relations plug either. Erving showed up at the house and Ely Square for pictures, spent the evening with her at the dance, and spent time with the family after the dance. Nix noted Erving enjoyed the evening as well.

Erving said he was happy to do it all and loves getting involved.

“We’re having a great time,” he said at the prom, which was held at Wagner’s of Westlake. “I’ve never done anything like this before, but you can tell that even though she can’t tell me verbally that she’s having fun just by looking at her.”

The Browns spent the 2016 NFL Draft focusing on selecting players with high moral character and leadership capabilities. Well, this past weekend, they found out one of the returning players checks off those boxes as well.

https://twitter.com/BigErv_75/status/729081480295661568

1. No word if he called or texted. [↩]