Doctors didn’t expect him ever to play again. But this quarterback fought through cancer for one final game with his college friends
Many times, a game might be beyond just wins and losses for an athlete. One college team's quarterback had the same feeling about his last game with his team, even though his arm was injured before the game. It was really important for the football player, Jack Curtis, for a couple of reasons. Jack had been diagnosed with cancer in the summer of his senior year and his team meant a lot to him. So he decided to play regardless of his injury and became a beacon of perseverance for the people around him, per CBS News.
Jack had a fracture in his throwing hand, but he still wished to play his last game in college, per the outlet. He had also been diagnosed with late-stage II Hodgkin's lymphoma. "The way they broke it to me, it was late-stage II Hodgkin's Lymphoma." Jack got the news in the summer before his senior year and planned his chemo sessions on Mondays so he would be able to go for football practice on Saturdays. "The reason I came back is because 20 of my best friends were going to graduate and I wouldn't be able to play with them after that," he went on. The doctors had found a large tumor under his arm and two smaller tumors next to his heart.
Jack had also scored around 83 touchdown passes during his time as a football player so far. Unfortunately, his fractured hand was injured once again as he played the final game with his best friends. But he still decided to keep going and reach the end of the game. "He is the toughest man I have ever known," Scott Curtis, the football player's dad, remarked. Both of his parents were really proud of what Jack managed to do and gave him the biggest hugs as the game came to an end. "It sounds so cliché to say, but I am Jack Curtis's mom and I feel really proud to say that," the man's mom shared. His teammates also came up to him to express how glad they were to play with him.
"You are the best football player I have ever had the pleasure of playing with," one of the players told Jack. Many of them also came up to him to give him a hug. At the end of it, all of them posed for a final photo as a team. People expressed their thoughts on Jack's courage and determination in the comments section of the video. @persepectivesportsX wrote, "Good for him, we are making a video about the 10 most common injuries in football right now and this is a great example of what can happen. Hope his future is brighter and healthier."
@MrMuchoDinero had seen Jack play in real life and had the nicest things to say about his game. The person commented, "Saw Jack play against St. Olaf - incredible leader and as tough as they come. Wishing him the best!"@TreeHouseClubTV praised Jack's parents for the values they had instilled in the young man. "And you, sir, raised that strong man. Well done to you and your wife." @Waldenpong shared, "Who said kids and young men nowadays are soft? What a great leader and role model."