Football manager with Down syndrome scores TD as ill mom watches

In Novi, Michigan, rival high schools Nova High and South Lyon East recognized something bigger than football. The schools helped fulfill a dream of the Nova High manager, senior Robby Heil, who has Down syndrome.

Every game Heil suits up, but he never sees any action. That all changed Friday night, as No. 24 was put into the game and scored a touchdown on a 36-yard run. The crowd cheered frantically as he ran down the field, and among those in the crowd was Heil’s mother, Debbie.

The fans were emotional and excited, but nothing could compare to how Debbie was feeling, seeing her son score the touchdown while she herself is terminally ill with bone cancer. She was right there, getting to witness her son’s run to the end zone, and at the end, gave her son a hug as the other players applauded.

“This is sportsmanship, and the coaches came up and introduced themselves and said ‘enjoy this moment’,” she said.

At the end of the game, South Lyon East presented Heil with a No. 1 jersey, as both teams huddled around him, celebrating his achievement.