Given the last week of tough national news this country has endured, sometimes it's fun to find a healthy distraction from a positive source. 2013 defensive back Eli Woodard (of Voorhees, New Jersey) provided just such a situation Friday when he announced in a release that he was changing his name in order to honor his stepfather:

"A wise man once stated, 'Fatherhood is not biology. Fatherhood is responsibility.' From the time I was two years old my dad, Timothy Apple, has been my father. He's nurtured, provided, and protected our family. I am the man I am today because of his tireless love, and commitment to our family. So it is with great pride and honor to carry his last name. I am truly blessed to be Eli Apple. Go Bucks!"

The former Woodard felt prior to the US Army All-American Bowl (and the holidays) was the perfect time to make such an announcement.

Congratulations to Eli and his family. We'll all still get to watch him suit up in Columbus for the next three-to-five years, only now with "APPLE" affixed to the back of his jersey.