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Denmark's Andreas Knappe trades Olympic archery dreams for shot at NFL with Falcons

Related Topics: Denmark, Archery, Atlanta Falcons

April 29 was the darkest day in Andreas Knappe's life -- until this year.

On that date six years ago, the Denmark native watched his father, Benno, succumb to intestinal cancer and lymphoma. It was a courageous battle, one that continues to motivate his 25-year-old son.

"I was 10, and they gave him six months to live," Knappe said. "But he said, 'No, I can't do that. I have five kids. I've got a lot to take care of.' He fought it for almost 10 years."

The anniversary of his father's death typically triggers sadness for Knappe.