Darrell Luter Jr. reminisced at the San Francisco 49ers art therapy event, paintbrush in hand, surrounded by local cancer warriors, laughter and conversation. He focused carefully on the canvas in front of him, each stroke of color carrying the weight of memories. This week was especially significant; the NFL’s Crucial Catch initiative aimed to raise awareness for cancer prevention, and for the 49ers cornerback, it was a time to honor the woman who had shaped so much of his life – his grandmother, Lila Belle, who he knows as "Granny Mama Lil."

"My relationship with her was very special to me," Luter Jr. said. "I was only seven years old when she passed. So, the time that I do remember, we were always constantly at her house. She was a person that loved to give, loved to help out. And she was big on dessert. We were always in the kitchen, making any type of dessert you can think of.

"She always brought the family together. We were always having little get-togethers almost every week. I cherished every moment that I had with her. She's always going to hold a special place in my heart."

As Luter Jr. reflected on his relationship with his "Granny Mama Lil," his memories shifted as he thought about her battle with breast cancer.

"I know she did have breast cancer. She had to have chemo. But, it all happened when I was young, so I didn't really know what she was truly going through. What I'll always remember is sitting outside of her hospital room."

Despite the challenges she faced in her battle with cancer, what Luter Jr. cherishes most about his grandmother was her incredible resilience and her ability to find and spread joy in life.

"She was just so happy. You wouldn't know if anything was going on with her. She always had a smile on her face and kept everyone lifted up. That's something I remember most – how strong she was. Even when people would say negative things, she wouldn't feed into any of it."

This spirit of strength and positivity influenced Luter Jr. during the 49ers Crucial Catch art therapy event, where he was prompted to paint what strength means to him. He centered his artwork around roses to honor his "Granny Mama Lil."

"My granny actually loved flowers. There's something about flowers that just makes me remember her. I can stare at them for so long and start remembering her when I see them."

As Luter Jr. painted roses that symbolized his grandmother's love and resilience, he shared a longing that resonated deeply in his heart.

"I wish she had the opportunity to watch me play football. She never got the chance to ever watch me play football, even in little league. I wish she was able to see my daughter. I wish she was able to meet my wife. But, I know I can't get those times back. In the meantime, I know she's looking down on us. So, I'm trying to do everything in my power to make her happy, make her proud and put a smile on her face up in Heaven."

With each paint stroke, Luter Jr. honored his grandmother's legacy, reflecting the strength she instilled in him. The paintings created during the Crucial Catch art therapy event will be transformed into customized Levi's® denim jackets for the players and cancer warriors to wear on the red carpet before this Sunday's game against the New England Patriots.

Sunday's game will be particularly special for Luter Jr. as he remembers "Granny Mama Lil" during the league's Crucial Catch initiative. In every play, every tackle and every moment on the field, he will honor their bond and the enduring impact she has on his life.