Drew Brees gives incredible gift to amputee high school QB
Alex Ruiz has always been a big fan of Drew Brees. He chose jersey No. 9 in honor of his favorite quarterback.
It turns out Brees is a fan of Ruiz, too.
Ruiz, the quarterback for Linfield Christian High School in Temecula, California, was rolling out of the pocket in a game last October when he was tackled and suffered a severe injury, according to a report from KGTV-TV in San Diego.
His right leg had to be amputated below the knee.
On Friday, the 17-year-old Ruiz was in a wheelchair watching a flag football game when it was announced that Brees was in attendance.
“Surprise,” said the New Orleans Saints star quarterback, who started his NFL career in nearby San Diego.
Brees then gave Ruiz with a very special gift.
“We would like to present to you with your walking prosthetic leg,” he said.
Not only that, Brees, said, “but we are committing to you that in the fall once you get the hang of this and you’re ready to start running, competing and training again, we’re going to get you your athletic training prosthetic, as well.”
Ruiz’s family had kept the surprise secret for weeks, according to ESPN.
“It was a very emotional presentation and really exciting for everyone in our league to be a part of it,” said Brees, who made the donation through his Football ‘N’ America flag football league.
Ruiz also got to spend a little time with the Saints star, and even threw him a pass that was on the money.
“If there’s anything above cloud nine, that’s where I’m at right now,” the teenager told KGTV afterward.
Brees said he believes Ruiz will soon get back on the football field on the prosthetic leg.
“It’s going to allow him to walk around, get around, and then eventually get to the point where he’s able to play football again,” he told KGTV. “Because ask him right now and there’s no denying the look in his eye that that’s what he wants to do.”
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