More stories

  • in

    Jake and Logan Paul lift lid on how they convinced partners Jutta Leerdam and Nina Agdal into filming reality TV show

    JAKE PAUL and brother Logan had a fight to convince their better halves into a giving up their privacy to film an all-access TV series.Paul American airs on HBO’s Max in the States and centres around the celebrity family from Ohio.Jake Paul with girlfriend Nina AgdalCredit: @jakepaulLogan Paul proposed to Nina AgdalJutta Leerdam is a Dutch speedskaterNina Agdal is a Danish supermodelCredit: SplashJake and Logan’s parents – loving mum Pam and no-nonsense dad Greg – feature throughout the eight-partner.But having raised two of the internet’s biggest stars, Pam and Greg have long been exposed to the lights, camera and action.It’s a different story for Logan’s fiancee – Danish supermodel Nina Agdal – and Jake’s partner – Dutch speedskater Jutta Leerdam.In fact, Logan had to produce a PowerPoint presentation to convince Nina to leave nothing off limits in the name of entertainment.READ MORE IN boxing WWE superstar Logan, 29, told SunSport: “Yeah, it was hard. But, you know, Max pays well! “The pay definitely helps, helps my fiance Nina feel comfortable with putting parts of her life on camera that she literally never would have ever.”And, I also convinced her. I made a PowerPoint and said, you should be a reality TV star and sold her. I’m a good salesman!”Boxer Jake, 28, added: “I think for Jutta, she’s still like not loving it.Most read in BoxingCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITS“I think she’s still getting used to it all and I think she doesn’t like how she’s portrayed in the hands of like a team of editors. “I think that I understand that it could be hard sometimes and people try to paint narratives that are different than reality sometimes.” Jake Paul says having children will prolong his boxing career and wants them to be best friends with brother Logan’s kidsIn the show, Logan proposed to Nina and they welcomed baby daughter Esme into the world last September. And Jake also recently announced his engagement to Jutta with a series of romantic photos. The prankster-turned-prizefighter now wants babies of his own and said: “I think it would be great for all of our kids to grow up together.“I think they’re gonna be each other’s best friends because of the fact that they’re gonna be growing up in a crazy world that is so different than most other kids and they’re not gonna be able to turn and trust a lot of people.“So I think it’d be good for our kids to be able to be close in age for sure.”Jake’s most recent boxing win – against Mike Tyson – is covered towards the back end of the series. Nina Agdal pictured in 2022Credit: GettyLogan Paul proposing to Nina AgdalJutta Leerdam is a champion on the iceCredit: RexJake Paul got engaged to Jutta LeerdamCredit: Instagram / @jakepaulThe bout was heavily criticised amid 58-year-old Tyson’s age but still over 100 MILLION tuned in to watch live on Netflix. Jake then entered shock talks to fight Mexican legend Canelo Alvarez, 34, in a planned Las Vegas mega-bout on May 3.But Canelo pulled out at the last minute to instead sign a four-fight deal with Saudi Arabia’s Turki Alalshikh.And Jake slammed: “He just missed out on creating arguably the biggest, if not the second biggest fight of all time which could have potentially beat me and Mike Tyson. “I think that’s worth more than money, right? Canelo has money, so I think for his legacy and the fan base that he could have tapped into by fighting me. “He really chose the money over that because they was threatening to pull his $300million contract with Saudi.READ MORE SUN STORIES“So he chose that versus creating a legacy and doing one of the biggest fights ever.”The Max Original reality series PAUL AMERICAN debuts THURSDAY, MARCH 27 on Max. Episodes debut weekly leading up to the season finale on Thursday, May 15.Jake Paul beat Mike Tyson with over 100m people watching on NetflixCredit: GettyCanelo Alvarez pulled out of fighting Jake PaulCredit: AP More

  • in

    Jake Paul says having children will prolong his boxing career and wants them to be best pals with brother Logan’s kids

    JAKE PAUL says having children will keep him in boxing longer – and wants his kids to be best friends with brother Logan’s.The YouTuber-turned-boxer became an uncle in September after Logan and his fiancee Nina welcomed daughter Esme into the world. Jake Paul with brother Logan and niece EsmeCredit: @jakepaulJake Paul in training in the gymCredit: @jakepaulJake Paul beat Mike Tyson in his last fightCredit: GettyJake wants babies of his own with girlfriend Jutta Leerdam – but the Dutch speedskater plans to wait until after the 2026 Winter Olympics.Little brother Jake – who boasts of being a super-cool uncle to Esme – dreams of raising up the next generation of Pauls all-together.He told SunSport: “I think it would be great for all of our kids to grow up together.“I think they’re gonna be each other’s best friends because of the fact that they’re gonna be growing up in a crazy world that is so different than most other kids and they’re not gonna be able to turn and trust a lot of people.READ MORE IN BOXING“So I think it’d be good for our kids to be able to be close in age for sure.”Jake recently announced his engagement to Jutta – getting down on one knee behind a stunning backdrop.And now he is ready to juggle the brutal and gruelling life as a boxer with daddy duty – and does not expect fatherhood to soften him as a fighter.The 28-year-old said: “I don’t think so, I think it would do the opposite.Most read in BoxingCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITS“I think it would give me more reasons to fight and more reasons to provide for my family, and probably motivate me more.”Jake is currently 11-1 as a boxer and most recently beat Mike Tyson, 58, in a controversial fight viewed by over 100 MILLION people on Netflix. My dad pitted me and Logan against each other growing up… but my kids will NEVER be like that, says Jake PaulBut he can now add reality TV star to his list of accolades after filming an eight-part series called Paul American alongside his family. The show – airing on HBO’s Max in America – also stars the brothers’ mum Pam, dad Greg and their fiancees Jutta and Nina.And Logan told us: “This show has caused a few divides in the family, which sucks for us, but it’s great media.“We’ve shown our whole lives on camera, on YouTube and the internet primarily, and we felt like Max was an outlet where we could go even further.“I don’t know why we felt like that, but maybe because it’s Max and it’s like an incredibly prestigious platform. “So we really put it all out there for everyone to judge and and and hate on us. It’s pretty sick!”The Max Original reality series PAUL AMERICAN debuts THURSDAY, MARCH 27 on Max. Episodes debut weekly leading up to the season finale on Thursday, May 15.Jake Paul proposing to Jutta LeerdamCredit: Instagram / @jakepaulNina Agdal and partner Logan PaulCredit: Instagram / Nina AgdalLogan Paul with brother Jake, dad Greg and mum PamCredit: Getty Images – Getty More

  • in

    My dad pitted me and Logan against each other growing up… but my kids will NEVER be like that, says Jake Paul

    LOGAN PAUL awkwardly laughs when brother Jake suggests their parents could have raised them better in a warts ‘n all documentary about the showbiz siblings.Logan said they both have no regrets for publicly feuding for so many years – which was a huge strain for their mum Pam.Logan Paul with dad Greg and brother JakeCredit: INSTAGRAMLogan and Jake grew up competing against each otherCredit: @loganpaul Jake holds Logan’s baby daughter EsmeCredit: INSTAGRAMJake, 28, says with a straight face: “Well, I think if they were better parents, we probably wouldn’t have been fighting.” Older brother Logan, 29, lets out a chuckle and continues: “It’s true. No, I don’t think either of us have regrets.“I mean yeah, we could sit here and say we wish we would have done things differently, but then like perhaps the present wouldn’t look the way it looks now. “And I mean, his comment was facetious, but maybe there’s truth in that.”read more in boxing Jake, who has lived a life being compared to Logan, interrupts with: “I was being serious. My kids won’t fight, they’ll support and love each other.”The pair grew up raised by their no-nonsense dad Greg and loving mother Pam – who have since separated. By their teens, both had moved to Los Angeles in a bid for fame by entering showbusiness. Over the next ten years, Logan and Jake would become two of the biggest stars in the social media era and self-made millionaires.Most read in BoxingCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSThey first shot to notoriety on the six-second video app Vine and later YouTube – where they became viral sensations. A battle for internet supremacy would then ensue between the two – as the brothers fought it out for clicks, likes and subscribers.Jake Paul says having children will prolong his boxing career and wants them to be best friends with brother Logan’s kidsAnd while the chase for money and success could be blamed for their family feuding, dad Greg is where the finger gets pointed at.The crazy life the family live plays out in an eight-part reality series airing on MAX called Paul American. And Logan says: “In this show, it was incredibly cathartic for us to figure out why we are the way we are sometimes.“And I think one of the things that we discovered was our dad was constantly pitting us against each other – like with everything. “So we both became extremely competitive. And that’s like ingrained in us, whether it’s with each other or the universe and everyone else.”Logan and Jake moved to LA to pursue showbiz careersCredit: Getty – ContributorLogan and Jake Paul with parents Greg and PamCredit: GettyJake celebrates a boxing win with LoganCredit: GettyThe eye-opening and wide-ranging series draws back the curtain on the chaotic life Jake and Logan lead.Jake juggles his career as a boxing star with being a long-distance partner to Jutta Leerdam – a glamorous and successful Dutch speedskater – who he has just proposed to.Logan – signed to the WWE – welcomes baby daughter Esme into the world after getting engaged to Danish supermodel Nina Agdal. Explosive arguments, heartwarming reconciliations and everything in between is laid bare in the series – all in the name of entertainment. Logan says: “This show has caused a few divides in the family, which sucks for us, but it’s great media.“We’ve shown our whole lives on camera, on YouTube and the internet primarily, and we felt like Max was an outlet where we could go even further.“I don’t know why we felt like that, but maybe because it’s Max and it’s like an incredibly prestigious platform. READ MORE SUN STORIES”So we really put it all out there for everyone to judge and and hate on us. It’s pretty sick.”The Max Original reality series PAUL AMERICAN debuts THURSDAY, MARCH 27 on Max. Episodes debut weekly leading up to the season finale on Thursday, May 15.Nina Agdal is Logan Paul’s supermodel fianceeCredit: SplashThe couple are now engagedCredit: Not known, clear with picture deskThey welcomed their baby daughter Esme into the worldCredit: https://www.instagram.com/p/DAgdceAJ9G1/?igsh=MWFsOXpvM2xra294aQ&img_index=1Uncle Jake with his niece EsmeCredit: INSTAGRAMJutta Leerdam is Jake Paul’s Dutch speedskater girlfriendCredit: AFPThe couple are don’t mind sharing with their followersCredit: @jakepaul More

  • in

    I lost both of my grandfathers to suicide, we must do more to help, says Championship star Will Vaulks

    WILL VAULKS knows all about the devastation that follows suicide.The Oxford United star’s two grandfathers both took their lives within 18 months of each other while he was in his early teens.Will Vaulks says the deaths caused ‘enormous destruction’ in his familyCredit: GettyHywel Edwards took his life just a day after watching Vaulks play footballVaulks described paternal grandfather Tom as wonderful to be withVaulks, 31, was just 13 when he and his family were left heartbroken when paternal grandad Tom died aged 67,  six months after he had initially tried to kill himself.And then the Wales midfielder’s maternal grandfather Hywel took his life aged 78, a day after watching his then 15-year-old grandson playing youth football for Tranmere.Now Vaulks wants to raise awareness for one of the biggest — yet “most forgotten” — killers.The latest 12-month UK Government figures showed 4,377 people died by suicide, that is an average of 12 deaths every day.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLThe U’s ace told SunSport: “Suicide is the biggest killer in men aged under 50 and women under 35.“So the biggest threat to your friend or family member’s life at that age isn’t a heart attack, cancer or a car crash . . . it’s from themselves.“We talk about cancer research and the need to learn CPR — which is important and great — but suicide gets forgotten.“So we must do everything to help get the numbers down.”Most read in FootballYou’re Not AloneEVERY 90 minutes in the UK a life is lost to suicideIt doesn’t discriminate, touching the lives of people in every corner of society – from the homeless and unemployed to builders and doctors, reality stars and footballers.It’s the biggest killer of people under the age of 35, more deadly than cancer and car crashes.And men are three times more likely to take their own life than women.Yet it’s rarely spoken of, a taboo that threatens to continue its deadly rampage unless we all stop and take notice, now.That is why The Sun launched the You’re Not Alone campaign.The aim is that by sharing practical advice, raising awareness and breaking down the barriers people face when talking about their mental health, we can all do our bit to help save lives.Let’s all vow to ask for help when we need it, and listen out for others… You’re Not Alone.If you, or anyone you know, needs help dealing with mental health problems, the following organisations provide support:Both grandfathers were much loved and Tom was a larger-than-life  character who would take his grandson for a spin on the back of his red Kawasaki 500 motorbike.Vaulks recalled: “He used to look after me, my brother and sister when our parents were away.“And he would say, ‘When the cat’s away, the mice play!’“I couldn’t have asked for a better grandparent so you can only  imagine the feelings I had when he chose to take his life. It was so  difficult for my dad and family.”At the time it was not understood why Tom had decided to end his life although with the benefit of hindsight years later the reason is perhaps less mysterious.His grandfather, who was divorced from Vaulks’ nan, was deeply depressed and complained about a stomach pain he could not get diagnosed.It is felt he feared getting old and not being able to continue doing the fun things he enjoyed.Then, in 2008, his other grandfather Hywel left home in circumstances out of character.Vaulks said: “My grandmother Brenda woke up to find he wasn’t in bed and had gone out.“He didn’t take a coat or get properly dressed so hadn’t gone out for a walk.”Police were called and a helicopter and search dogs sent out to comb the area.Loving grand-dad Hywel took his own life aged 78Tom, who died aged 67, is pictured with his son and grandchildrenBut eventually after a few hours it was Vaulk’s mum and Hywel’s daughter Ruth who discovered his body.Only the evening before he had been watching Vaulks playing football but he went home at the full-time whistle rather than stick around, as he normally did.That evening his mum went to check on him and Vaulks explained: “He told her, ‘You do know I love you, don’t you?’“It was a lovely thing to say to his daughter but it has been hard for my mum down the years because she has been left with many unanswered questions like was it a sign and should she have spotted it?“But he had made his decision at that  point and unfortunately we will  never know exactly why.”From experience, no one who is struggling is a burden. People want to help, people love you and you must love yourself too.Will VaulksPeople who take their lives are in the deepest of torment and often feel they are a burden to families and friends but, as Vaulks explains, the decision to die by suicide leaves a trail of devastation that is far worse for those loved ones left behind. He said: “The destruction the two suicides left for my family was enormous.“We had a normal family life which was happy, healthy and great.“The best way to describe it is it’s like a bomb going off within the family unit.“Suicide leaves a complex grieving process that some people do not  manage to get through. As a family, we fortunately did.“But I became a bit numb to normal passings because you feel bitterness in the way you lost your grandparents.“They both thought they were best out of the equation.“I’d say to anyone who is struggling, the burden you leave by taking your own life is 100 fold for those you leave behind.“From experience, no one who is struggling is a burden. People want to help, people love you and you must love yourself too.“I’ve spoken to suicide survivors who look back now and live happy, healthy fulfilled lives.”Championship side Oxford became the first club last month to sign up for a suicide prevention charity’s workplace pledge.United’s new partnership with Baton of Hope will see the U’s deliver in-house, personal  suicide prevention training to all its players and staff.Hywel was great to be around as a kid, saying Will VaulksTom became depressed in later life and worried about a stomach painIt coincided with the third anniversary of Oxford legend Joey Beauchamp taking his own life at the age of 50 after years of mental- health struggles.Vaulks, who also wants the EFL to get on board, says there are stereotypical myths  surrounding suicide.He said: “People always have one answer like he or she was a gambling addict, had an affair, took drugs — all hyper motive things.“Sometimes those issues are relevant but a lot of the time it’s not the case.“People have struggled silently for a long time and not had the help they need. At the moment, in the NHS, mental-health help is not there.“The charity’s founder is Mike McCarthy and his  son Ross was on a waiting list for six months and died two months into it. That sort of time frame for help isn’t acceptable.”Vaulks is sure prevention is better than cure and urges everyone to play an active part.He added: “People don’t wake up one day and decide to take their own life.A friend might be acting erratically, maybe drinking five pints instead of two or vice-versa, or acting quieter or louder. There are times when people are at crisis point and help lines or emergency services need to be called.Will Vaulks“The thing we can all do is to check in  twice. We all know when someone asks, ‘How are you?’ that a person usually replies, ‘Good’.“If you notice a slight change in your friend or people you don’t speak to so often, just  ask again, ‘No, really, how are you — is everything fine?’“We don’t need to have deep conversations but we do need to delve more into how people are feeling.“It’s proven eight to nine minutes of talking can be enough to lift someone’s mood and prevent them spiralling downhill.“A friend might be acting erratically, maybe drinking five pints instead of two or vice-versa, or acting quieter or louder.“There are times when people are at crisis point and help lines or emergency services need to be called.“But we must try to stop these things before they become major issues.READ MORE SUN STORIES“So if you feel happy and fulfilled, pass that on to people, even in the street.“We can live a competitive, fun and aggressive life — but still look out for others.” More

  • in

    Premier League star announces birth of ‘precious’ baby daughter as couple say they ‘couldn’t be more in love’

    A PREMIER league star has announced the birth of his “precious” baby daughter.Leicester City midfielder Harry Winks and his partner Lowri Algar revealed the heartwarming news on Instagram today.Marlowe Otilia WinksCredit: InstagramHarry Winks pictured with his babyCredit: InstagramLowri lying with Marlowe in hospitalCredit: InstagramMarlowe was born last Wednesday March 12.Lowri posted sweet snaps of their newborn along with the caption: “Marlowe Otilia Winks 12.03.25.”Our precious girl, couldn’t be more in love.”The heartwarming post included pictures of Marlowe sleeping peacefully with her mother Lowri.Another emotional snap showed Winks lovingly embracing his newborn child.The 29-year-old simply commented with a love heart on the Insta post.Family, pals and fans were quick to pay tribute to the beautiful couple after the latest addition to their family.One wrote: “Ohhh precious angel, congratulations gorjy xxxx.”Most read in FootballA second user posted: “Congratulations Lowri & Harry. What a beautiful baby girl Marlowe is, love her name.””Looking forward to my cuddle,” said another pal. ‘Best day of our lives’ – Lisandro Martinez announces birth of baby girl AuroraWinks left boyhood club Tottenham Hotspur to join Leicester in 2023.He signed a three-year-contract at The Foxes for an undisclosed fee reported to be around £10 million.Winks made his debut for the club in the opening game of the season, a 2–1 win against Coventry City in the EFL Championship.He played a pivotal role as the Foxes bounced straight back to the Premier League for the current season.Winks went on to score twice in 45 Championship appearances playing both as a defensive midfielder and a No.8 in Enzo Maresca’s team before the Italian quit for Chelsea.The former Spurs star is still at Leicester who are plying their trade in the Premier League this season.READ MORE SUN STORIESWinks has made 23 appearances and scored one goal across all competitions.But Leicester look to be destined for relegation after being thumped 3-0 at home by Manchester United yesterday.The Prem star and his partner announced the birth of their childCredit: InstagramWinks joined Leicester City for £10millionCredit: Rex More

  • in

    ‘Best day of our lives’ – Man Utd star Lisandro Martinez announces birth of baby girl Aurora

    MANCHESTER UNITED ace Lisandro Martinez and his partner announced the birth of their daughter.Martinez, 27, and his girlfriend Muri Lopez Benitez announced in October they were pregnant with their first child.Manchester United ace Lisandro Martinez and his partner Muri Loopez Benitez welcomed their first childCredit: InstagramMartinez and Muri named their daughter Aurora and shared snaps on InstagramCredit: InstagramMartinez and Muri are childhood sweetheartsThe happy couple announced they were pregnant in OctoberCredit: Instagram @lopezbenitezmuriAnd the happy couple took to Instagram on Sunday to officially welcome their daughter Aurora to the world.The centre-back and Muri shared pictures of themselves hugging each other and the baby as well as a clip of him kissing the mother of his child.And the childhood sweethearts talked about how this is the happiest day of their lives.Muri added the following caption: “3/14/25 OFFICIALLY THE BEST DAY OF OUR LIVES!!! Welcome Aurora.”Read More on Man UtdThe snap amassed over 300,000 likes and a raft of comments from happy fans.One posted: “Welcome Aurora to the family!!!”Another commented: “Congrats, Mom and Dad!!! Enjoy these precious moments with family. I hope everyone is doing well.”A third wrote: “What a beautiful family you are building.”Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSThis fan said: “God bless you, what wonderful news.”And that one gushed: “We love you so much Auroraaaaaa.”Adorable moment Lisandro Martinez’s mum helps Man Utd star with rehabMartinez has been sidelined since last month when he suffered a devastating cruciate ligament injury during United’s 2-0 home defeat to Crystal Palace.And Man Utd boss Ruben Amorim received some devastating news soon after as it is likely the Argentina international will miss the rest of the season.Muri announced the happy news on social mediaCredit: Instagram/@lopezbenitezmuriMuri has followed Martinez throughout his careerCredit: Instagram @lopezbenitezmuriMuri and Martinez also shared a clipCredit: Instagram @lopezbenitezmuri More

  • in

    Sadio Mane, 32, welcomes first child with wife Aisha, 19, after wedding last year – and dedicates goal to baby daughter

    SADIO MANE dedicated his goal to his newborn daughter after welcoming his first child with wife Aisha Tamba.Mane, 32, tied the knot with Tamba, 19, last year in Keur Massar, an area in Senegal’s capital city of Dakar.Sadio Mane dedicated his Al-Nassr goal to his newborn daughter on FridayMane celebrated by rocking his arms as Al-Nassr came out 3-1 winnersMane and teenage wife Aisha Tamba have welcomed their first child in RiyadhThe ceremony was just six days before the start of the 2024 Africa Cup of Nations.The couple have now welcomed their first child, 14 months after their shock wedding, which was confirmed by Mane’s Saudi Pro League club Al-Nassr.And in dedication to his baby girl, Mane celebrated by rocking his arms while beaming with pride.The former Liverpool star’s goal doubled Al-Nassr’s lead in the club’s 3-1 win over Al Kholood on Friday.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSFellow ex-Prem stars Cristiano Ronaldo and Jhon Duran also scored, before Al-Nassr went down to ten men as Nawaf Boushal was sent off.Al-Nassr were at the heart of Mane’s public reveal of his new baby.The club posted a video of the footballer reciting a verse from the Quran while walking through the club’s training facility.Mane recited: “Wealth and children are the adornment of this worldly life, but the everlasting good deeds are far better with your Lord in reward and in hope.”Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSCristiano Ronaldo opened the scoring for Al-NassrThe video was captioned: “A new blessing for Sadio Mane! Wishing him and his family endless joy.”Allah provided them with its righteousness, and made her one of His righteous servants.”Erling Haaland’s salary is only ninth biggest in football with Chelsea flop Koulibaly earning more than Man City starAl-Nassr need to have a flawless final nine games if they are to close the 10-point gap on leaders Al-Ittihad.Mane, 31, won the Premier League and Champions League during his spell with Liverpool.He now reportedly earns £650,000 per week with Al-Nassr. The former Anfield star met Tamba through his agent, who was friends with her construction boss dad.A source told MailOnline: “Sadio and Aissata’s romance blossomed after his agent met her father.”Madou Tamba is a respected construction manager in Senegal and was tasked by Sadio’s agent to oversee the footballer’s various building projects in the country.”The two men developed a trusting working relationship and through that relationship Sadio was introduced to his daughter.”Everyone in the village of Bambali is delighted for them.”Sadio is a good man. He has given lots of money to the people of Bambali and he deserves to be happy.”Mane was playing for Bayern Munich at the time of their marriage, when Aisha was 18 years old.READ MORE SUN STORIESThey kept their relationship a secret until pictures of their wedding were revealed. Tamba was still a student when they met, but Mane reportedly vowed to marry her as soon as they started dating.Mane, 32, tied the knot with Tamba, 19, last year in Keur Massar, a suburb in Senegal’s capital More

  • in

    My pal said ‘sorry about your dad’s dementia’… that was news to me, reveals Dean Windass’ son Josh

    JOSH WINDASS revealed he only found out about his dad’s dementia from a Sheffield Wednesday team-mate while they were in a coffee shop.The attacking midfielder, 31, was oblivious that Hull and Bradford legend Dean Windass had been diagnosed with the condition until Owls defender Max Lowe unwittingly broke the news.Josh Windass reckons his dad being ‘a bit of a nutter’ make him popularCredit: GettyDean Windass, a cult hero with fans, has been diagnosed with dementiaCredit: GettyAnd Windass told SunSport: “I found out in a coffee shop. Max said, ‘Sorry to hear about your dad’s dementia’ and I thought, ‘Oh! That’s news to me!’”His dad’s diagnosis at the age of 55 was publicly revealed by former Manchester United and Blackburn star David May during a TV interview, with Windass’ blessing.It sparked an outpouring of love and support for one of the biggest English football characters of the 1990s and 2000s, who has more recently been a Sky Sports pundit.Windass Jr said: “He’s well loved within the football community. He’s a bit of a nutter and people like that about people.READ MORE IN FOOTBALL“I don’t think he’s struggling too badly. I speak sometimes to my brother, who is keeping tabs on him. He’s sound.“When news like this comes out people always think the worst. But it’s not a severe grade at the minute and he’s not having too many problems.“The first thing I asked was if he still knew my name and he did, so I didn’t ask him too many questions.”Windass Jr is chasing a second promotion with Sheffield WednesdayCredit: GettyHis dad did a national TV interview this week where he raised concerns about the perils of heading a football, which has been proven to increase the risk of developing the disease, and fears for his own son’s safety.Most read in ChampionshipWindass Jr scored the winning goal at Wembley with his head to clinch Wednesday’s promotion from League One in the play-off final against Barnsley in May 2023.Former Premier League star Dean Windass suffering from dementia as ex-Man Utd ace reveals diagnosis live on BBC And the Owls ace himself is passionate about raising awareness on how to prevent suffering from such conditions in later life.Research shows adopting a healthy, balanced diet can reduce the risk of dementia.Windass has a strict diet plan and last season enlisted the help of Tyson Fury’s nutritionist, Sheffield-based Greg Marriott, to help his recovery from an injury.And he said: “You don’t want anyone getting dementia or any other illness.“You want everyone on the planet to be healthy in an ideal world so it’s important to raise awareness to help people prevent it.“Even things like eating healthily. It’s not just for making you look good at the beach, it’s great for your lifestyle and health.“It’s something me and my missus speak a lot about — curriculums in schools, people don’t get taught enough about diet or illness and stuff like that. There needs to be more focus.“A lot of the stuff that gets people excited are the things you probably shouldn’t do such as drinking alcohol and eating bad food.“There’s a time and a place for that but it’s important to raise your kids especially to drink water, eat fruit and vegetables.“When you’re 50, I’ve seen people who go on all these diets and things — but by that point it’s a bit late.“I’m on the side of the fence that you can have a good time but our bodies are more important. People don’t take care of themselves as much as they should.”Windass even believes that a good diet could help stem the increase of mental illness cases that have been highlighted in recent years. He said: “If you’re eating and drinking things that are going to damage your brain then you’re not going to be the happiest person in the world.“If you can do little things that can help make you feel a bit better, you’re going to be happier and healthier.”Windass certainly would have been feeling more jubilant after scoring his first goal since New Year’s Day by snatching the all-important equaliser at Norwich on Tuesday as Wednesday roared back from 2-0 down to win 3-2.It was a crucial three points, hauling Danny Rohl’s men back into the play-off picture — and moving them to within just five points of the top six.Windass is set to feature in Sunday’s Steel City derby when bitter rivals Sheffield United make the three-and-half-mile trek across town to Hillsborough.That Wembley goal was nice — but a League One promotion isn’t something I talk about too much as it’s not such a big achievement.”Josh WindassHe has always thought the Owls needed to still be in the mix by the final whistle of the derby clash to stand a chance.Windass has scored 11 goals this season with nine games left — and he said: “I felt at the start I needed to score 15 from midfield for the team to have a successful season.”One of those strikes was a 60-yard worldie against Derby — which will surely win the goal of the season gong at the EFL awards.It was so good that pundits Paul Merson and Clinton Morrison rated it better than the famous one David Beckham scored from the halfway line for Manchester United against Wimbledon in 1996.It sparked a January bid from Brazilian club Santos — which was rejected.But Windass said: “I scored a better one last year against Blackburn!”He has been at Hillsborough for five years and is firmly established as a cult hero for his play-off winner — but he would dearly love to see the Yorkshire club win promotion to the Premier League.READ MORE SUN STORIESWindass said: “I guess that Wembley goal was nice — but a League One promotion isn’t something I talk about too much because it’s not such a big achievement.”A play-off final winner this year certainly would be. More