Pittman’s Pocket: Dedication of the life of Miss Kalvina Neshawn Cummings

I remember our first encounter back in the 8th grade — me sitting in church during service, when I saw a beautiful young lady with her hair styled up and those big, beautiful bows, right beside her big cousin, Teresa Smith. I didn’t know it then, but that was the day I met my destiny. A year later, fate brought us together again in Ms. Grooms’ American Government class in the 9th grade.

From that moment, we knew we were meant to be in love. Through high school and through life, we grew together. By our senior year at Middleton High School, July 4th, 2005, became a day I’ll never forget — the day my best friend saved my life. I used to be a hothead, but she was my angel, my calm, my balance.

She was there every step of the way — cheering me on when I played for the Middleton High School Tigers, and when I continued my journey to Central Lakes Community College in Brainerd, Minnesota, to play for the Raiders. Kalvina always kept me encouraged, especially during my hardest times as a student-athlete. When I decided to chase my dream and play professional football for teams like the Sarasota Scorpions, the Wenatchee Valley Venom, and others, she was still right there — pushing me, praying for me, believing in me even when I doubted myself.

I eventually retired early, facing financial challenges and the heartbreak of losing my former teammate, OJ Murdock, in 2012. But instead of giving up, I found a new purpose — stepping into the world of recruiting. From then to now, I’ve traveled across the country to numerous college All-Star games, including the East–West Shrine Game, CGS, Tropical Bowl, and most recently, the Hula Bowl 2024.

Even though Kalvina and I went our separate ways in 2019, that woman never stopped encouraging me. She always reminded me to keep going, to keep believing. And I made sure she did the same — that she stayed inspired, strong, and happy. I want to thank Ms. Andrea Cummings and the entire Cummings family for allowing me to be a part of your daughter’s life for 16 and a half years. I will always be your knucklehead, and I pray to continue being a light and a beacon for the family.

Much love to my sister Avita Cummings, my brother Darryl Cummings Jr., Taurus and Kharisma Mitchell, Uncle Carl, and everyone who helped raise and love this wonderful woman.

Thank you, baby, for sharing your family with me — and for allowing mine to be a part of yours. We will meet again, my Queen. And when that time comes, I won’t fight it — I’ll leave peacefully, hand in hand with you. Forever my Queen. Forever my Love. 💜