CHARLOTTE, N.C. -- Carolina Panthers defensive tackle Kawann Short grew up two blocks from Guthrie Street, the most dangerous street in East Chicago, Indiana. At one point, it was one of the most dangerous streets in the state in terms of gang activity and murder.
Seconds from his home on 3585 Block Avenue, Short saw everything from drug deals to fights to shootings. It was a daily test of survival, wondering if he would be the next victim of a violent crime.
Because of where he lived, the question Short was asked most prior to the NFL draft was, "Are you in a gang?