Brian Piccolo

Brian Piccolo (October 31,1943 - June 16,1970) was a professional football player who played for the Chicago Bears for four seasons. He died at the age of 26 from embryonal cell carcinoma, which was found as a very large tumor in his chest cavity . He was the subject of the 1971 movie Brian's Song. Piccolo was portrayed in the film by actor James Caan.

Related Topics:
October 31 - 1943 - June 16 - 1970 - Football - Chicago Bears - Carcinoma - Tumor - 1971 - Brian's Song - James Caan

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Piccolo was a graduate of Wake Forest University. As recorded in the July 1970 edition of the WAKE FOREST MAGAZINE, the running back was one of the greatest athletes in the history of the University up until that time. During his play at Wake Forest University, Piccolo was awarded ACC Player of the Year honors.

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To honor his memory, students at Wake Forest began the Brian Piccolo Cancer Fund Drive in 1980, raising money for the Comprehensive Cancer Center at the Bowman Gray Medical Center of Wake Forest University. In addition, the Brian Piccolo Student Volunteer Program was established to provide undergraduates with an opportunity to work at the Cancer Center as a volunteers.

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