Ickey Woods returns to Fresno to raise asthma awareness

FRESNO, Calif. (KFSN) -- A former NFL star from the Valley returned to his hometown on Saturday to raise awareness about the disease that killed his son.

Edison High graduate Elbert "Ickey" Woods signed autographs and sold memorabilia at the Downtown Fresno Grocery Outlet. The proceeds will support the Jovante Woods Foundation. It's named after Woods' son, who died suddenly from a severe asthma attack in 2010.

Woods says many people are naive about how serious the condition is, but he's hoping more funding and education will change that.

"If I had known back then what I know now I think maybe my son would still be alive, so what I wanted to do is get out there and educate people on the seriousness of asthma, that way they won't go through the pain and suffering my family went through," said Woods.

Despite the serious nature of this visit, the former Cincinnati Bengals running back enjoyed some lighter moments with his fans. He even taught Fresno City Councilman Oliver Baines his famous end zone dance -- the "Ickey Shuffle."