He Lost A Friend To Violence. Now This Coach Helps Kids Find Hope.

Courage. Integrity. Commitment. Honesty. Respect.

Those are the core values of those enshrined in Canton. But football isn't the only field to find them in.

Through its Award of Character program, the Pro Football Hall of Fame, in partnership with USA TODAY, honors teachers, nurses, coaches, firefighters, police officers and veterans whose impact strengthens communities and changes lives.You can nominate someone you know by clicking this link.

This month's honoree is Terrence "Coach Goonie" Redmond, an athletic director and coach who returned to the Chicago neighborhood that raised him and spent years expanding opportunities for students at North Lawndale College Prep, helping young people find confidence, purpose and a place to belong.

Few people in North Lawndale know Terrence Redmond by his given name.

To students, parents and colleagues, he's simply Coach Goonie.

So when Jarrett Payton, son of Hall of Famer Walter Payton, arrived alongside Pro Football Hall of Famer Jimbo Covert, the longtime coach and athletic director didn't realize the moment was about him.

Holding the award in his hands, Redmond appeared overwhelmed.

"This is so incredible," he said.

For someone who spends his days celebrating student accomplishments, the spotlight felt unfamiliar.

"It's not something that I look for," Redmond said. "I do it because it's genuinely coming from my heart."

More than a coach: 'Mr. Everything'

Ask people around North Lawndale what Redmond does and the answer comes quickly.

"He's Mr. Everything," said Sam Williford, North Lawndale College Prep's head football coach.

Students say he's often the first person they see each morning, greeting them at the door before spending the rest of the day coaching, mentoring, organizing activities and finding ways to keep students engaged.

"I don't know how to sit still," Redmond said with a laugh.

His coworkers believe it.

"It came to my attention that he never takes off work," said Jemia Cunningham-Elder, North Lawndale's CEO. "Never."

That commitment has earned him something more valuable than respect: trust.

"Everybody respects him," said Tommy Hayes, a North Lawndale student and athlete. "Kids that don't even go here ... still respect him."

Creating opportunities for every student

When Redmond applied to become athletic director, he arrived with a vision that extended far beyond the school's existing sports programs.

"When he applied, he had an entire master plan of what we could do," Cunningham-Elder said.

Rather than focusing only on traditional athletics, Redmond wanted to create opportunities for students with different interests and abilities.

Under his leadership, the school expanded offerings that included girls flag football, bowling and competitive chess.

The goal was simple: find a place for every student, no matter their athletic skills.

"Bowling is a sport," he said.

Chess became another avenue for participation.

"Understanding the game of chess, you understand every move is like a part of your life," he said.

The results have been significant.

Before this school year, approximately 26% of students participated in athletics.

This year, school leaders said participation climbed to 51% of the student body.

But for Redmond, the numbers tell only part of the story.

"It's really about trying to keep them active year-round," he said. "Keep them out of trouble. Keep them out of the streets. Keep them off their phones."

A mission rooted in personal loss

Redmond's connection to the community runs deeper than his job title.

He grew up in North Lawndale and understands the challenges many of his students face because he experienced them himself.

Among the losses he carries with him is the death of one of his closest childhood friends.

"That's Michael Haywood," Redmond said, pulling up a photo on his phone. "He was one of my best friends growing up, and I still carry him with me today."

His friend's memory continues to fuel his work.

"The loss I experienced and how I dealt with it was by giving back," Redmond said. "I'll continue doing it to honor him."

That mission became even more personal when one of his student-athletes was killed.

"I was crushed," he said. "I just cried nonstop."

The tragedy strengthened his belief that students needed more opportunities to stay connected to school and positive activities.

It led to expanded programming, additional sports and keeping facilities open later into the evening if students needed a place to be.

"If somebody said they wanted to be here till six, we'll stay till six," Redmond said. "If they want to be here till eight, we'll stay till eight."

Growing where you're planted

The decision to return home has made Redmond a symbol of what's possible for many students.

"I think he's a symbol of what is possible if you grow where you're planted," Cunningham-Elder said.

Students who once may never have considered athletics now have new opportunities. Families see the school as a destination. Community members ask about working there.

School leaders say his impact can be seen throughout North Lawndale.

"I don't think people can see this community without him," Cunningham-Elder said.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: He lost a friend to violence. Now this coach helps kids find hope.