Perhaps you've never had an illness. If that's the case, congratulations.
I have seen firsthand what "silly role models" can do for the psyche of someone with an illness or injury.
My late Aunt had Parkinson's and I can vividly remember how much it meant to her that Michael J. Fox went public with his fight against the disease and had taken Parkinsons research funding to Congress with his testimony. I saw firsthand what it meant to her and how positive it was for her to see someone so publicly and well-spoken talking about it to the masses.
One of my best friends suffered a stroke as a child and has persevered heroically through his life, graduating from college, establishing a career and family. You mention Tedy Bruschi to him and his eyes shine. He has met Tedy on several occasions over the past two years - Tedy is very active with stroke survivors in Massachusetts and Rhode Island. The fact that Tedy has returned to the field and is so open about his stroke gives many people hope, comfort and, yes, pride in a role model.
Pardon me if I'm not impressed with the depth of your knowledge on the subject of "role models" - - but I have seen the impact first hand. It is profound.