March 14, 2011

Former University of Cincinnati standout defensive back Haruki Nakamura, now with the NFL's Baltimore Ravens, a Japanese American, has been deeply affected by the deadly earthquake and tsunami in Japan. Nakamura has confirmed his family is safe.

Nakamura is throwing his support behind relief efforts to aid those affected by the disaster that has caused massive amounts of destruction.

He released the following statement today:

"The tragic events surrounding the devastating earthquake and tsunami that occurred in Japan has triggered many emotions from people across the world.

The disaster has affected many people, including myself.

I am proud to be a Japanese American, and honored to be one of few players in the NFL of Japanese heritage.

The aftermath of the earthquake has been felt by people of all nationalities. Those of us with family and friends over there have been frantically attempting to contact them to make sure they are alive.  I'm lucky to say that my family and friends in Japan are safe!

Though I haven't suffered any loss of life in my family, others aren't so lucky. As the death toll continues to rise, the danger associated with the earthquake is equally as elevated.

In fact, the life-threatening situation continues to escalate every day.  Radiation from the nuclear power plants that have been damaged has escaped and now hovers in the air. Aftershocks from the earthquake pose a constant threat while disrupting everything from public transportation to the ability to find clean water. I am not exaggerating when I say Japan is faced with a life-and-death situation.

I ask not as a professional football player, but for those who are in life and death situations in Japan, that you contact the American Red Cross (www.redcross.org), and see what you can do to help those in dire need. I would consider it a tremendous gesture of kindness if you can donate anything to help those who cannot help themselves survive this terrible disaster.”

Sincerely,
Haruki Nakamura

A starter in each of his final 37 games for the Bearcats, Nakamura was a unanimous first-team all-BIG EAST Conference choice following his final campaign. A three-year starter in the Cincinnati defensive secondary, he finished as the top tackler with 95 stops in 2007. The sure-handed defensive back also handled the punt return responsibilities for the Bearcats, totaling 104 yards on 15 returns. He notched a season-long 24-yard return in the victory at Rutgers. Nakamura earned BIG EAST Player of the Week plaudits after creating a pair of fumbles, an interception and 11 solo stops in the 38-33 victory at USF.

He is entering his fourth NFL season with the Baltimore Ravens.