Jermain is more than a footy star

Is Jermain Defoe a saint or sinner?

This question was posed by a prominent commentator some years as the footballer grabbed the headlines more for his colourful adventures off the pitch than on it.

How the passage of time has come to redefine the view of Sunderland and, currently, England’s star striker.

The 34-year-old has gone from relative obscurity in the backwaters of US soccer to the pinnacle of English football - scoring a goal at Wembley in a World Cup qualifier victory.

He’d been written off as a footballing force, now he’s rewriting the record books and his own legacy.

Jermain is grabbing the headlines for what he’s doing on the pitch, but he’s also grabbing them for his off-pitch exploits - and this time it’s all for the right reasons. The part he’s played in support of wee Bradley Lowery has been genuinely moving and uplifting.

This weekend saw the Sunderland striker lead Bradley out onto the Wembley turf, making the youngster’s day.

It was not the first time Defoe had played a part in the youngster’s battle, drawing attention to the family’s fundraising efforts, and it’s unlikely to be the last. What is of even greater credit to Defoe, is the manner of his generosity.

He is being genuinely selfless. It’s not about Jermain Defoe, but the boy Bradley. By his actions, Jermain has done nothing but good for Bradley and his family and it has been recognised by supporters on all sides. He’s united the football family for the sake of a young boy fighting a terrible disease.

Is Jermain Defoe a saint or a sinner? It’s a question few would even consider asking today, for we all know the answer...