Page 13 of your emails to Willis

Feb. 24, 2003

Hurricane Headquarters

Coral Gables, Fla. (www.hurricanesports.com) — – Joe M Peters: Norwood, MA: Willis -Great season! You are what Hurricane Football is all about. Get your rest, get ready to go then get after it! Who’s got time for a hospital bed, a cast or any of that crap! Make it happen… we NEED ya!!! Let’s Go # 2!!!

Hi, I’m seven years old and I wouldlike this message to go to WillisMcGahee. I am an Ohio State fan and i wouldjust like to say that im sorry for theunfortunate accident on last Fridayevening. Iwould like to tell you thatI feel bad for you and your team. Iwas excited to watch the game onFriday and when you got hurt it gotruined because you are one of myfavorite players. Thank you for your time

-Samuel Wagner-

PLEASE SEND THIS TO WILLIS MCGAHEE!!I am a 3rd grade teacher at WestLincoln Elementary in Brookhaven,Mississippi. I also coach Slow andFast Pitch Softball. I witnessed theinjury while watching the game againstOhio State. I knew right away that itwas probally your ACL. Eleven yearsago while playing in my last homebasketball game at our local JuniorCollege (Copiah Lincoln in Wesson,Mississippi) I suffered an ACL and a PCLinjury. It did not end my career and Iknow that your career will be a greatone. My class wanted to right you andlet you know that we are praying foryou daily and are watching the web-sitedaily for updates. You have lots ofyoung fans in my class. Some have evensaid they hope that they can play likeyou one day!Good luck. Work hard and Pray as wewill be praying for you too.

Hurricane Fans,Coach Anita Wilson

Message to Willis McGahee

I hope you come back strong from theinjury that occurred during the OhioState Game. You are a class person anda great player with a great heart. Ican can wait to see you play again onSaturday and hopefully on Sunday’s.

Love An Ohio State FanBrad Kornuc

PS Keep Your Head Up and Work HardPMA (Positive Mental Attitude)

I just want Hurricane players andfellow fans to know that I may not befrom Miami, but the heart in my chestdoes push the Hurricane colors throughmy body. I may not ever get the chanceto feel the awsome power of the OrangeBowl, but I promise you I am therebody, soul, & mind. I to feel we wererobbed of the title, and I to ask theplayers who have a chance to go pro, toplease reconsider. Not for me, but forthe fans, the pride, and to show thenation who really was the championsthat day and for ever in collegefootball history. I also challenge myfellow fans to not let what happened inthe Fiesta Bowl go unforgotten, and topush and cheer our beloved team on tolet the nation know who the realchampions are on the feild and in thestands. Even though I will probablynever get the chance to sit next to youin the Orange Bowl, I do swear on mymothers grave I will be with you inspirit. Willis, my blessings andprayers are with you always. Idaho’s #1Hurricane fan. — Scott Novak

WILLIS,

LOOK AT THE RESPECT YOU HAVE FROMSO MANY FANS! A SMALL PIECE OF ALLTRUE CANE FANS WERE LEFT ON THEFIELD IN TEMPE, AND WE CANUNDERSTAND THE FRUSTRATION ALLYOU GUYS MUST FEEL. YOU ARE TRULYTHE HERO OF THE SEASON, AND IT ISYOUR MOTIVATION AND DEDICATIONFOR SUCCESS THAT SETS YOU APART. IWATCHED AS YOU WERE PUT IN RELIEFFOR CLINTON LAST SEASON AND I KNEWWERE GOING TO SHOW THE NATIONSOMETHING THAT EVEN OUR GREATCANES HAVE NEVER SEEN !I WANT YOU TO KNOW THAT MANYUNDERSTAND YOUR LOSS AT THIS TIME,IT IS EVIDENT BY SO MANY EMAILS.TAKE THIS AS ADDED FUEL FOR YOURPHYSICAL RECOVERY. WE ALL KNOWABOUT THE IMMEDIATE MONETARYLOSS DUE TO THE INJURY, BUT YOUHAVE GAINED SOMETHING GREATER.YOU CAN SEE THE IMPACT YOU HAVEON SO MANY. YOU CAN SEE THAT ITDOESN’T TAKE NFL GREATNESS TOBECOME A HERO (that will come), ITTAKES SOMEONE WITH YOURDEDICATION AND HEART TO WIN THEHEARTS OF SO MANY. REMAIN YOURHUMBLE SELF AND KEEP BELIEVING INYOUR GREATNESS LIKE THE REST OFUS!THANKS FOR A GREAT SEASON! IT WILLBE AN HONOR TO HAVE YOU ON OURSIDE AGAIN! YOU ARE FAMILY!Nathan Gates

A note from Corinth, Mississippi: Wewish Willis McGahee a speedy and fullrecovery from the knee injury hereceived at the Fiesta Bowl. We areboth enthusiastic Canes fans and hopethat Willis will be back playing nextyear. Our prayers are with him as heworks to recover from his surgery. — Steve & Charlotte Icardi

I just wanted to express my concerns toWillis McGahee and his family. I am afamily physician and husker fan out inVail, Colorado. I, with millions ofcollege football fans, watched indisbelief as Willis injured is knee onfriday night. It made me feel ill towatch it all unfold on collegefootballs premier game. I wastremendously relieved to find out todaythat Mr. McGahee was astute, and boughtthe insurance policy prior to thegame.

I know very little about WillisMcGahee, but I have admired the classwith which he, and the whole MiamiHurricane team, displayed this pastseason. As a Husker fan, I neverthought I would praise the program thathas brought so much anguish to mybeloved Big Red. But I have become anadmirer, through all the work of ButchDavis and Larry Coker.

So good luck to the ‘Canes and Mr.McGahee. I’m sure we can look forwardto seeing you back on the field nextfall, and on future Sunday’s.

Eric E. Olson

I just wanted to send something toWillis Mcgahee. I’m from NC and I’mreally not usually a Miami fan but Ithought You and Dorsey really gotlooked over this year in the awards soI was really pulling for you in thebowl game. It almost made me sick tosee the injury you took and to imaginehow hard it is on you in your positionbut try and stay positive, work hard,and come back strong. Everyone ispraying for you.Lane Allison

I live in Hagerstown,Indiana i’m a bigfan of the Hurricanes. A i saw whathappened to Willis Mcgahee my concerns awith you and hope you will get betterand come back and finish your career atMiami.Dustin Cronk

I was looking for some way to sendMCGhaee best wishes and speedy recovery. — Joe Miller

Thank you very much. As I said Willis is a tremendous talent, the best I saw all year. I am a Buckeye fan and I was heart broken when he went down. Thanks again and send Mr. McGahee my best wishes.

Brandon Nichols

Dear Willis,I just want to mention how truly sorryI am about the injury you sustainedFriday night. Obviously, you haveworked incredibly hard to get to yourlevel of performance. Even thoughthings might not appear so brightright now, never lose sight of what anincredible talent you are as anathlete/football player, for your God-given abilities are absolutelyunique!!! I wish you a complete, quickrecovery, Willis. We’re all behindyou, 150%!!! J.S.

I JUST WANT TO WISH WILLIS MCGAHEE ASPEEDY RECOVERY. I’M SURE WILLIS IS THEHARD WORKER AND HARD WORKER THATEVERYONE SAYS HE IS. I KNOW HE’LL BE OKAND THIS DARK TIME WILL BE JUST AMEMORY. LIKE ALL BAD THINGS, THIS WILLMAKE YOU STRONGER. KEEP YOUR HEAD UPBROTHER. LIKE PAC SAID, “AFTER EVERDARK NIGHT, THERE’S A BRIGHTER DAY.”GUYS LIKE JERRY RICE HAVE COME BACKWHEN NO ONE SAID THEY WOULD, AND I KNOWYOU’LL BE ONE OF THE VERY FEW GUYS THATWILL COME BACK FROM SOMETHING LIKETHIS. ALL YOU CAN DO NOW IS STEPFORWARD AND NOT DWELL ON WHAT YOUCOULD’VE OR SHOULD’VE DONE. EVEN IFYOUR FIRST ROUND DRAFT CHANCES AREN’TTHE SAME, I’M SURE MANY TEAMS WILL JUMPAT THE CHANCE TO ACQUIRE YOUR SERVICESAND THEN WHEN GIVEN A CHANCE, YOU’LLEARN YOUR FAT CONTRACT. SO JUST STEPFORWARD AND DON’T LOOK BACK. MY PRAYERSARE WITH YOU.

-EDDIE JAIME-

This is to Willis McGahee, not havingany other way to send our thoughts toWillis and his family:

We are die-hard UM fans. We were at theFIesta Bowl. Dear Willis: Although weknow the road back will be long andtough, one thing is certain: YOU WILLBe BACK. You have demonstrated that youare a CLASS act on and off the field. Ihope my sons grow up with yourcharacter even though they may not haveyour athletic talent. Your pre-seasonwork ethic is exemplary. Athletes likeyou make me proud to be a cane fan. Iam sorry we lost you during the bowl,just when you were getting your rhythm.To the rest of the nation: Take heedand take cover when McGahee steps backon the field, because he will break hisown records!! God bless you, don’t gettoo down, Go Canes!

The Alvarez Family (Helen, Jaime,Jonathan, Jamie- Fort Myers, Florida)

Willis,

I’m a very loyal Virginia Tech Alumnus & fan. I sure hated to see you &the Hurricanes rip the HOKIES the way you did this year, but you have agreat team and certainly the better team won! I will always think ofthe University of Miami Hurricanes as the 2002 National Champions, andyou would have been except for the very bad pass interference callagainst the ‘Canes – that was really tough luck.

I can’t express in words how badly I feel for you with your terribleknee injury – oh man, it made me sick to see it happen. I was amazedhow you toughed-out the pain you must have been in and yourdisappointment as you were taken off the field, especially at such animportant moment in the lives of you and your teammates.

I know you will be able to fight back from your injury and regain yourstatus as one of the greatest running backs – because that’s what kindof MAN you are!

Best of luck! I’ll be looking for you on the field!

Sincerest Regards,Tom Adams (Virginia Tech, Class of 1975)

Hello Willis McGaheeWe wanted to e-mail you this message aswords of encouragement to you. Wewatched the game on Friday and havebeen praying that everything works outfor you. You keep your head up, butmost importantly keep God first andbefore you know it we will be seeingyou play Sunday and Monday night ball.Good Luck!!!Good News Tabernacle (WV)

From Tim Campbell: Hello, I’m writting this in regards toWillis Mcgehee’s knee injury. I am 20years old and have been a hugeHurricane fan since I was pretty young.The reason I have decided to write thisis to see if I could possibly contactWillis in any waythrough his own e-mailadress. I just want to tell him to staypositive and work hard and he’ll beback to a 100% nin no time. See when iwas 16 years old I tore my ACL playingbasketball. At the time Iwas a twosport athlete in my high school playingfootball and baseball. Also I playedbasketball for my church team. Anywaysthe reason I tell you all this isbecause after i hurt my knee I workedverry hard and was ble to play allsorts at 1000% again. As a result ofthe surgery I missed baseball that yearand football my senior year but wasable to return to basketball and baseball the folowing year. I hope that myexperiance will help Williskeeppositive and bounce back to lead theCanes to another title soon. I justwant him to know that if a 16 year oldkid can bounce basck just for the joyof the game that he can do it as wellwith so much more on the line for hisfuture in the NFL. I f there is any wayto relate this message to him for me Ihope that you would. And also informhim that if he would like to write backand hear any more about or just formore encouragement he is more thaninvited to. thank you for taking thetime to read all of this, I really doappreciate it.

Hello

I would like to send my deepest prayersand thoughts to Willis Mcgahee.There istruly knowone better than he.I lovewatching ( you )and the rest of theteam.Keep the head up and the eyesfocused upon the lord and you willsurpass any and every goal you couldever imagine.

Cane fan 4 lifeShane Merkel

Buz Chockla: Miami, Fl: Best wishes and a speedy recovery. Hope to see you back next season in a Hurricane uniform. What ever decision you make, I want to thank you for the great and exciting years at UM! So far? You Can DO IT! GO CANES

William Brown : Olive Branch, Mississippi: Willis,I have been a Cane fan since I was five years old (I’m 28 now) and I’m from northeast Florida, so you can imagine what kind of junk I get being stuck here in MS around all these SEC fans!!!But, I just wanted to let you know that you have been a pleasure to watch for all the cane fans around the country, and I hope God is with you in your recovery and He grants you quick healing. I hope your career continues to be as bright and fulfilling as you wish it to be, you handle yourself in such a respectable manner, It gives us even more pride when we tell people (especially SEC fans) that we are Cane fans forever!!!! Best wishes.

Ken D. Aselton: Blythewood: Dear Willis,

I watched you injury on friday and just thought ” I hope it doesnt ruin his career”. I saw the re-play and just about cried. I hope you have a wonderful recovery and that your nt in to much pain. I know you are feeling bad about loosing what should be yours(national champs) and that I’m sure next season even without Ken Dorsey there is still you.You are probably the best running back I know and I hope that you’re back next season 100%.

Best wishes from a good cane fan,Ken and John Aselton

Laura Callava: miami,fl: Willis,After the Fiesta Bowl was over on Friday every UM fan I talked was told me how upset they were, not about the game, but about your injury. You make the game much more enjoyable for all of us to watch. Your hard work and determination is an inspiration to everyone who watches you play. I’ve had friends of mine, who aren’t UM fans, tell me that they were really impressed by your ability on the field. Well anyway hope you have a very speedy recovery so you can get back on the field were you belong. GO CANES!!From your #1 fan,Laura Callava

RICHARD CLEMMONS: CLEWISTON, FL: WILLIS,I KNOW REHAB WILL BE LONG & HARD, BUT I’M SUPREMELY CONFIDENT THAT YOU WILL PLAY AGAIN & PLAY WELL!!! I WAS WATCHING THE GAME WITH MY WIFE WHEN YOU GOT HURT & IT WAS LIKE SOMEONE IN MY FAMILY WAS THE ONE HURT. I’VE BEEN A HURRICANE FAN SINCE ’82 & I’VE GOT TO SAY YOUR THE BEST BACK MIAMI HAS HAD IN TWENTY YEARS! I LIVE & DIE WITH THE TEAM. I HOPE YOU HAVE A QUICK RECOVERY & I HOPE TO SEE YOU ON THE FIELD NEXT YEAR. UNTIL WE SEE YOU PLAY AGAIN, WE’LL KEEP YOU IN OUR THOUGHTS & PRAYERS. GOD BLESS.

SINCERELY,RICHARD CLEMMONS

Grace A. Castro: Miami, Florida: Dear Willis:

I was very saddened to learn of your injury. I take a moment to send greetings and best wishes for a complete and speedy recovery.

I know you’ll be back.

Good luck and GO CANES!

Jack Croghan: Miami, FL.: Willis,Thanks for a great game! I pray you’ve recover quickly. I know you have the inner drive to do so. My very best wishes for your speedy recovery. Jack Croghan, Retired UM faculty & Hurricane Club member.

lee weinman: chicago,il: i wish you a speedy recovery and may God bless you and your family.good luck with your recovery and i can’t wait to see you ” turn the corner” again. go willis ! go canes ! lee weinman

John A. Aselton, SC,Blythewood

: I saw your injury and see it very scary.I hope you are able to come back since you and Dorsey are the best football players possibly ever! The good thing is that you are okay and I realy hope to see you back sometime next season. I think that Miami will come back next year and show the nation that they should have been national champs.

Sincerely, John

1Name : marco funghi: madison, al: good luck with recovery. you’re an awesome player. this happened to me 2 years ago. my team lost a champ. game and we were on a 40 game winning streak. my knee was almost completely shattered. but i used that last as motivation and know i’m better than i ever was. i have 10 schools looking to give me a soccer scholarship. so keep with it, you’ll be back.

Diego T. Torres II, MD: Ormond Beach, FL: Willis,As a Hurricane fan all my life, I cannot tell you what a pleasure it is to watch you play football. You were just given a curveball and I know you can hit a homerun. As a doctor, I just want to say that everyday you go in for rehab, no matter how much it hurts, someone is always worse off than you. I know this because of what I see on a daily basis and because I too had a similar surgery, only I was pretending to be Micheal Jordan instead of Willis McGahee (Ha Ha!) Keep your head up champ and I’ll see you on Sundays!!! Don’t let anyone take away your dreams. Peace. Diego

Austin Kron R: Alpine,NY: Hey Willis! I hope you get well so I can watch you play some football. That must of hurt! I watched it and it looked like it did. Hope you got through Sunday alright. Well see you later! Austin

mitch dixon: brooklyn, ny: willie mac,i didn’t even know your name until a co-worker, a rutgers attending hardcoremiami fan raved about you. anyway, i read an article then i watched you work. now understand i’m ooooold school 4 real. i had o. j. simpson usc posters on my wall as a kid. portis saw the same thing i saw, one of the greatest backs of our time. know this!!! You’ve proven it before, your greatest asset is your mind. this obstacle will allow you to truly reflect on what’s to come. the hurricane is coming and by the time you get to atlanta mike vick will be in dire need of a great back. now get out there and do history!

Christina Jenkins : Benton, Louisiana: Hey Willis I Hope You get better really faat becauuse the hurricanes need you next year!!! I hope your knee gets better fast!!! God Bless You!!

mitch dixon: brooklyn, ny: willie mac,i didn’t even know your name until a co-worker, a rutgers attending hardcoremiami fan raved about you. anyway, i read an article then i watched you work. now understand i’m ooooold school 4 real. i had o. j. simpson usc posters on my wall as a kid. portis saw the same thing i saw, one of the greatest backs of our time. know this!!! You’ve proven it before, your greatest asset is your mind. this obstacle will allow you to truly reflect on what’s to come. the hurricane is coming and by the time you get to atlanta mike vick will be in dire need of a great back. now get out there and do history!

Mike Rodriguez: Miami, FL4: Willis,Keep your head up. Things will work out for you and you will become a force to be reckon with if not next year at UM, then in the NFL!

Tom Pettit: Wilton, Ct: Willis, Thanks for your efforts this year. As a Miami grad I appreciate your hard work and know you will overcome this temporary situation. Good luck in rehab and I look forward to your return. More important I look forward to you getting your degree. Sincerely, Tom Pettit BBA1972

Dan Griffin: Marietta, GA: Willis, from all of my friends and I, though Buckeye fans and alums, we wish you a speedy recovery and future. You were truly a class act this year and nothing but the best. You were the best back in the country this year.

Mark Gentry: Vancouver Wa.: Good luck on your recovery. Hope to see you back and playing next year. Know we’ll be seeing you in the NFL soon.Hopefully for the Cowboys!

Dwayne P. Hamer: St.Louis: Hang in there brother. There’ll be better days. You’ll be back!!!! I have faith in you.

Esther M. Fernandez: Hialeah, Fl: I would like for you to know that we have been praying for you since the moment you got hurt. Don’t let this get you down even when it gets hard to get up and walk. It was a great thrill to watch you play these last years, and I’m sure with some hard work (that you are used to), you’ll be back on that field whether it is for the Canes again or NFL. You have a great talent, don’t let anything take that from you. My family and I will continue to pray for you even when you do make it to the pro’s. May God bless you and keep you strong. A lifetime Canes Fan.

Jeanette Dessimoz: North Lauderale, FL: You gave all of us such joy with your fantastic on field performces!! Miami will also be known as “Running Back U” as well as “Quaterback U.” You have captured the hearts of all cane fans!!!(I’ve been a cane fan since the late 50’s when I lived right down the street as a child.)

Keep the faith. Your outstanding work ethic will get you through this. You are in my thoughts and prayers for a complete and healthly recovery. Whatever help you need, feel free to call on me.Sincerely, Jeanette Dessimoz

Carmen M. Alvarez: Hialeah, FL4: My boyfriend and I wish you a safe and prompt recovery. Your injury greatly saddened us. With God’s good will you will fully recover and continue your stellar football career. Hopefully you will join the Hurricanes again if not we wish you the best of luck entering the draft. Get Well Soon!!!

Antonio Martinez Jr.: Houston, Texas: I am glad to hear that you are doing well and I hope to see you on the field soon. get well and God Bless you. Take care.

Kenneth Dille D.: Amanda, OH: Mr. McGahee, I hope your surgery went well and you are on your way to a speedy recovery. I have seen many instances where top level athletes like yourself, can make full recoveries and play sports again at high levels. Joey Gallaway and Derek Anderson are both performing Pros who have had similar injuries; Derek multiple surgeries. To my point: when I was 27 my knee bent the exact same way your knee did. Three weeks later, my ACL was repaired and and my MCL was left to heal on its own, and some cartilage was trimmed. I am now 33 and can play every sport that I played before surgery at the same level I did before. Have faith in your doctor, and more importantly your physical therapist. I’m 6’0″ and 230 and there is nothing like having a 5’4″ tiny woman screaming at me in the gym because I’m limping, “If you can’t walk without a limp get back on those crutches!” Then all the retired people, recovering from knee replacement laugh because its funny to see a tiny woman put the fe!ar of God into a man twice her weight. Good luck young man as you overcome this hurdle in your path.

Sincerely,

Kenneth D. Dille

Gene Napier: Tulsa, Oklahoma: To the best running back by far in the country, I am very very proud of all you and the team have done!I wish I had a dollar for every time I have jumped up and down in my living room yelling “Go Willis Go Willis”, as you ran past defensive backs like they were standing still. Watching Tennesse trying to take you out with hard hits and watching them head back to the locker room dazed. This little set back cannot slow down someone of your capabilities and talent. Get well soon and save room on your wall for a Heisman trophy!Your Number One Fan in Oklahoma.

Dusty Nava: Vernon,Texas: Good luck on your recovery, i hope to see you play again. I’m a very big fan of yours, I’m from Texas and i follow all the Canes games. I have been much impressed with your performance this year, and i was greatly impressed when i found out your work ethics. i mean, come on yo, pulling a truck from block to block, thats crazy yo! I admire your desire to play football still, and i know you will, and i know you will succeed in the NFL. Maybe you will be selected by the Cowboys, and replace the great Emmitt. Man, i have a great idea for a tattoo for you man, on the back on your arms on your triceps, u need to put “Beyond Strength”…. Beyond on the left tricep and Strength on the right. Just to show your ability to recovery what some people are calling a career ending injury. Good luck man, and would love to hear from you. just remember to always maintain your composure.

Dusty Nava

Shane Ferguson: LAWRENCEVILLE GA: HEY WILLIS GET BETTER I KNOW YOU WILL YOUR MY FAVORITE MIAMI PLAYER.SORRY FOR THE LOSS BUT YOU WILL HAVE 2 YEARS TO DO IT AGAIN.DON’T WORRY ABOUT IT YOU WILL BOUNCE BACK.

Brandon K. Hueber: Austin, TX: Willis,

I’ve enjoyed watching you play all year. Here’s to a speedy recovery and return to the field.

From Texas Longhorn Country,

Brandon

Dave Edmond, A.: newtown, pa: Hi willis, i am a huge fan of yours and wish you the best and want to see you back on the field next year or as sonn as possible.Dave

TJ Toreno: Stockbridge, GA: Willis, I was sad to see you go down with that knee injury, but I believe everything happens for a reason…your reason maybe being to lead the Hurricanes to another Championship game. Whether thats true or not I wish you the best of luck and a quick recovery. Im sure you will come out just fine and better then ever. Keep focused and stay strong. I wish you all the best in football and life.

Canes fan 4 life,TJ

Karen D. Harris2: Miami, Florida: Hang in there, and get well soon.You’ve done an exceptional job and your best days are yet to come.

Penny Bryson: Brooksville, Fl: I truly have never cared more about a player I have never met. Our family, my husband and 9 year-old son were devestated that moment you got hurt. I just had knee surgery myself in November and I know you will fully recover. If I can, you can. I can’t wait until next season. My husband coaches the little hurricanes in Brooksville and my son strives to play just like you. He wants to attend UM as you are. I told him he better get a scholarship. We wish you the best and think of you daily. You are in our prayers. Please get well soon. We miss you already. Go Canes!Penny * Rob * Zach (The Brysons)

Lautretz, Moore, A.: Seattle, WA: I’m a big CANE fan and I hate to see us loose. But I think everyone in the WORLD knows we got robbed!! Anyway, I hope you can come back next year to show eveyone what team is the TRUTH. Get well and keep your head up, peace.

Daniel Marvin: Gahanna, Oh: Mr. McGahee: I’m sorry for your injury in the game. I hope you recover fully.You had a great season and I hope you and the rest of the Canes know that you guys played your hearts out.Sincerely:Dan Marvin a Buckeye fan.

Travis Carmichael: Bridgeport, Illinois: Willis, I would love nothing more than to see you come back next year to Miami. I am a huge Florida State fan, but have the upmost respect for you and your teammates. I think that if you come back next year and play as well as you did this year there is no one that could beat you out for the heisman. Good luck in your recovery and hope to see you wearing that number 2 ‘Canes jersey. Much love

CARLOS RAY BARRON: LUBBOCK, TEXAS: Mr. McGahee,

Man, we sure needed you at the end but that is least I wanted to mention to you. I hope you make a full recovery from that injury.

Steven Cejas: Hialeah, Fl: Hey Willis,

The prayers from my family and myself are with you…. I know you’ll bounce back soon — you made us very pround.

John Paul Pruitt: Shelby, Ohio.: Willis, First of all GO CANES!!! No matter about the poor call at the end of the game, the Canes ARE #1. Anyway about your knee I am very sorry about this injury. I will be praying for you. My best wishes are to you. I have been a nurse for 7 years and just want to encourage you to hang out and listen to your doctors, nurses and therapists, and Lord willing you will be back to your old speedy self! You know as well as I do many top athletes such as yourself have came back in great shape after this injury!!!! I just want to be an encouragement to you as a nurse for many years. Another subject real fast as I know you have alot of these to read is about receiving Jesus as your savior. God loves you and me and the whole world enough that he gave his only son that if we accept him as savior we may be in heaven with him for ever. I just want to tell you that because I want to see you in heaven. God bless you man on your recovery!!! Even thouogh I live in Ohio I was born in Miami and I am carring the CANES up here GO CANES!!! And GO WILLIS!!!!!

bruce fischler: plantation,florida: Thank you for being a true class act and wonderful example of what’s good about u of m and all who believe in you. I had a similar experience many years ago and worked as you will to rehab. I beg you to think carefully about your future. Please stay in school for the next 2 years, rehab slowly and carefully, and please get your college degree.I wish you well and God speed.

Bruce Fischler

Jeanie Berryhill: Miami, FL: Willis keep you hands in God’s hand and he will bring you through this tough time. Our prayers go out to you

Berryhill Family

John F. Lisk: West Jefferson, NC: Willis: You’re a fine representative of our University and we sincerely appreciate your efforts on behalf of UM. I’m sure you are aware that many have undergone the kind of surgery that you now have and have come back stronger, faster and even more determined, such as your teamate Frank Gore and Lee Suggs up at VTech. Keep up your spirits and the same resolve that you showed while playing and good things will happen. We will keep you in our prayers … John Lisk

John F. Lisk: West Jefferson, NC: Willis: You’re a fine representative of our University and we sincerely appreciate your efforts on behalf of UM. I’m sure you are aware that many have undergone the kind of surgery that you now have and have come back stronger, faster and even more determined, such as your teamate Frank Gore and Lee Suggs up at VTech. Keep up your spirits and the same resolve that you showed while playing and good things will happen. We will keep you in our prayers … John Lisk

Mitch Rosenberg2: Delray Beach, Florida: Willis,My friends and I haven’t missed a game in years (including the bowl games). I would just like to say that we all look forward to seeing you on the playing field again. Keep in good spirits and we’ll see you soon.

Bob Gentile: Pittsburgh, PA: I wish you the best of luck in your rehab and return to football. Although you played a big part in defeating my Pitt Panthers, I respect your abilities as a great running back. Hope to see you playing up here in Pittsburgh next year. Good Luck -B.G.

Mitch Morrissey, D.2Street : 2224 N. Rogers3City : Springfield, Missouri: Willis, wishing you a speedy recovery. I hope to see you running circles around everyone’s D next season. I will pray that you have a 125% full recovery. Miami: National Champs, Jan. 2004!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Rudy Garcia: Homestead,Fl: Willis, First and foremost, as a long time Canes fan, i want to express my gratitude for the season you gave us. You are blessed with unbelievable talent and skill. My stomach turned when i saw your injury on T.V. which by the way the OSU player reacted in coming to his team’s sideline after the hit, i believe it was intentional and yet it was condoned. I pray for your recovery. Work hard in therapy..I know you will be back..you will PERSEVERE! Go canes

Alan Penberthy: Royal Palm Beach, Fl.: Dear Willis,

As a season ticket holder, I want to thank you for all of the excitement that you have given to me and my kids over the last year.

We were devastated when we saw your injury. We are praying for you daily that God will minimize your pain, give you hope and heal you completely.

Whether or not you play another down for the Hurricanes, in the NFL or choose to not play at all we pray that God will heal you for you and you alone.You are a tremendously hard working and giving person and you deserve no less.

You have also been a great role model for our children. We can’t begin to thank you enough for the way you have handled yourself in good times and bad.

In Christ,The Penberthy’s

Bryan Crawford: Toccoa, GA: What an unfortunate way to end a great season. This past season has been astonishing. The screen against FSU, the six scores against VaTech, the grinding yards against WVU and Pitt and the one score against Ohio St. all showed great skill and determination. Take some solace in the fact that you are a part of a great program that has people capable of helping you recover as fully and as quickly as possible. Many of the NFL’s best have been torn down but came right back up, like Edgerrin and Ricky Williams for example.I read somewhere that you had taken an exceptional athlete insurance policy prior to that game, which was a very smart business decision. Hopefully from all of us who enjoy seeing you run the football that policy will never need to be used.Best wishes in your recovery from the Miami Hurricane fans of North Georgia.”That’s what I’m talking about Willis”

Jeremy J Siegel: Altamonte Springs, FL: Hey Willis, if you don’t know by now, you are a loved guy who really caught the eye and hearts of a lot of football fans, ‘Cane and non-‘Cane alike. It’s good to hear that the surgery went well, and that you’ll get another chance. Trust me, the whole nation cringed when you got hit, and the whole nation will cheer when you step back on the field. Keep up the good work! Let’s go ‘Canes!