The Super Bowl champion and kidney donor is rallying Dallas on April 25 to fight diabetes.
Everson Walls has always shown up for the people he loves. In one of the most selfless acts in NFL history, the former Dallas Cowboys cornerback donated a kidney to his teammate and friend Ron Springs, witnessing firsthand the devastating toll diabetes takes on a life. Now, Walls is turning that personal experience into community action.
On Saturday, April 25, Walls will serve as grand marshal of the American Diabetes Association’s Step Out Walk: North Texas — one of the ADA’s signature fundraising events bringing together diabetes advocates, volunteers, and community members in the fight to end the disease.
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Why Walls is all in
“I am honored to be the grand marshal of the American Diabetes Association’s North Texas walk,” Walls said. “When I donated a kidney to my friend Ron Springs, I saw firsthand the devastating impact of this disease. I am inviting the North Texas community to join us in the walk to help find a cure.”
Since 2025, Walls has served as an all-star ambassador for the ADA, lending his voice and platform to a cause that hits close to home for millions of Americans — and disproportionately impacts the Black community.
The numbers don’t lie
Diabetes isn’t just a personal story — it’s a public health crisis. Over 40 million Americans are currently living with diabetes, and in Texas alone, approximately 3 million adults — about 12% of the state’s adult population — have been diagnosed. Every year, an estimated 228,000 Texas adults receive a new diabetes diagnosis.
Events like Step Out directly fund the ADA’s work in research, education, prevention, and management, pushing toward a future free of the disease and its burdens.
What to expect at the walk
This year’s event is packed with reasons to show up:
- Everson Walls as grand marshal
- Live DJ entertainment
- Kids’ zone with fun activities
- Exhibitor village
- Diabetes resources and expert advice on management and prevention
Walls will also be signing six ADA-branded footballs to be awarded to the walk’s top fundraisers. Participants who raise $1,000 or more will receive an exclusive invite to the VIP Champion Tent for a special meet-and-greet with Walls.
Get involved
Register, start or join a team, and fundraise at diabetes.org/StepOutNorthTexas. The North Texas community has a chance to walk alongside a champion — don’t sit this one out.
About the American Diabetes Association
The American Diabetes Association (ADA) is the nation’s leading voluntary health organization fighting to end diabetes and helping people thrive. This year, the ADA celebrates 85 years of driving discovery and research to prevent, manage, treat, and ultimately cure diabetes—and we’re not stopping. There are 136 million Americans living with diabetes or prediabetes. Through advocacy, program development, and education, we’re fighting for them all. To learn more or to get involved, visit us at diabetes.org or call 1-800-DIABETES (800-342-2383). Join us in the fight on Facebook (American Diabetes Association), Spanish Facebook (Asociación Americana de la Diabetes), LinkedIn (American Diabetes Association), and Instagram (@AmDiabetesAssn). To learn more about how we are advocating for everyone affected by diabetes, visit us on X (@AmDiabetesAssn).