The Purdue Boilermakers recently beat the Ohio Buckeyes, 44-21 in a big upset for Ohio, especially since they are known for their strong defensive talent. In contrast, it is the first signature victory for Purdue under their Head Coach Jeff Brohm. Behind this victory is a heart-warming story of a football super fan who is battling terminal bone cancer.
The young man’s name is Tyler Trent. At age 15, he was diagnosed with bone cancer. Over the last five years, he has been fighting the illness. Although there were times that he has gotten better, today, at 20-years-old, it has become terminal.
Tyler has always been an avid fan of the Boilermakers. Throughout the years, despite what he has been going through, he has never missed one of Purdue’s games, showing his all-out support for them. Head Coach Jeff met him and was surprised of the fondness this young man bared for the players. Tyler has become an inspiration for them too, to give their best on the field.
In an interview with ESPN on Saturday morning, Tyler was asked how he sees the future. “Immediate future in my mind is that Purdue beats Ohio State next Saturday,” he replied.
He was right!
It was his declaration, and it turned out he was right. During that night, Purdue upset the No. 2 team in the country. He never thought that he’d be able to see the game, but God made a way for him to be there in person.
The morning after the Boilermakers beat the Bobcats, the team surprised Tyler and visited him, bringing an American football as a gift. A touching moment happened between them when the team prayed together for his healing. It was an emotional yet great moment for Tyler to be prayed for by his favorite players.
On Sunday afternoon, Tyler posted on Twitter:
“In everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you. Do not quench the Spirit. Do not despise prophecies.” (1 Thessalonians 5:18-20)
Right now, Tyler is in hospice care. Let’s pray for Tyler and his family as they walk through this challenging season. May the Lord bless them and guide them, and may His peace that surpasses all understanding abound in their home.
Source: Sports Spectrum
This article was written by Christel Berns Villariza.