Sick Kid Gives Football Player Special T-Shirt, But Team Freaks When They See What’s Written On Front.

Not every college athlete gets to become a star player. But that doesn’t mean they can’t still make a difference.

When Justin Juenemann joined the Minnesota football team as a freshman, he probably hoped that he would get time on the field. Unfortunately, that never happened for the fifth-year senior teammate. But he’s still managed to remain an integral part of the team both on and off the field.

As a backup kicker for the Minnesota Gophers, Justin hasn’t played in a single game.


Facebook

But instead of quitting the team, he embodies the Gopher mantra off the field.

“Row the boat” signifies three things to the team:

  1. There’s the oar. It’s the energy you bring to your life – ultimately, it’s the thing that moves the boat.
  2. Is the boat, the sacrifice you’re willing to give up to achieve things in life.
  3. The compass is the direction of your life, which is set by a leader and those you surround yourself with.

Facebook

When he’s not supporting his teammates from the bench, during practices, or in the locker room, Justin is devoting his time to help kids in need at Masonic Children’s Hospital in Minneapolis.

“I just love giving and serving and reaching out to the community, and the Mason Children’s Hospital was a great opportunity for myself to reach out there and meet Kyle and meet these different people … Whether I’m in there for half an hour or … we’re in there for a minute, just to be able to see the smiles on their faces and the joy that is in the room–it’s the best feeling.”


Facebook

After fours years of serving on the team and in his community, Justin built strong friendships with the children he worked with in the hospital. One patient, in particular, Kyle Tanner, considers Justin as his favorite player on the Minnesota Gophers.

But when Kyle came in to visit the team one afternoon, Justin had no clue what was to come.


Facebook

Kyle talked about how he approaches every day, despite his struggles, as a new day, and that he values his relationship with Justin. But when Coach Fleck allows him to shoot a t-shirt gun inside, that’s when things got interesting…

He aimed it right at Justin!


Facebook

But when Justin read what was on the shirt, his jaw dropped.


Facebook

It read: “Justin, congrats on earning a scholarship.”

Watch the video below to see Justin and his team’s reaction! No one has earned it more than Justin has!

Don’t forget to share this incredible story. Justin shows that you can serve your community in more ways than one. How do you serve? Share in the comments!

Want to be happier in just 5 minutes a day? Sign up for Morning Smile and join over 455,000+ people who start each day with good news.