LEWISVILLE, Texas – If you’ve been to a Lewisville football game this season, it’s not hard to pinpoint who the best player on the field is. That honor goes to their running back, Viron Ellison II. His future, on and off the field, is very bright. To say this young man has been through a lot over the last 10 months, however, might be the understatement of the year.
What You Need To Know
- Viron Ellison II is the starting running back for the Lewisville Fighting Farmers
- On Dec. 30, 2021, Viron’s father was murdered in Lewisville at Chill Bar & Grill. Viron Ellison Sr. was just 35 years old
- This football season is the first without his father. Every snap of every game for the rest of his career, Viron is playing for the man who was and always will be by his side
On the surface, everyone sees his athletic prowess on full display Friday nights.
“[Viron’s] got deceptive speed, finishes runs and is a very powerful back. There are so many things he can do on a football field,” said Lewisville head coach Michael Odle. “He’s a very talented kid.”
But no face mask can hide what’s going on beneath the surface. This season, Viron is playing for so much more than the game of football.
“Last year, my dad was murdered,” Viron said.
On Dec. 30, 2021, his father, Viron Ellison Sr., suffered multiple gunshot wounds during a large fight at a local bar. He was transported to Medical City Lewisville for his injuries where he died, according to the Tarrant County Medical Examiner’s office. He was just 35 years old.
“It’s an emotional topic. I’m trying not to get teary,” Viron said, fighting back tears. “I don’t know. It just doesn’t feel the same. It’s different. Life is different.”
“Viron and his dad were extremely close,” said Viron’s mother Aaliyyah Bowie. “His dad was very influential in his life. It’s just a pain that never goes away. It’s tragic.”
“We watch football, we play video games and we are very competitive,” Viron said when reminiscing about his father.
Viron’s coaches and teammates see how hard it’s been.
“He’s really missing him, but like I told Viron, his dad has a bird’s-eye view watching his son flourish as a young man,” said Coach Odle. “He’s also doing well on the football field, which is amazing.”
Viron cherishes the pregame talks he had with his father. The best advice he ever got?
“He used to just keep it short,” Viron said. “Just hit them in the mouth.”
Every snap of every game for the rest of his career, Viron is playing for the man who was and always will be by his side.
“The way he talked, the way he walked, that’s where I get my character from,” Viron said. “I just see him so much. I miss him deeply.”