If someone were to ask you who the biggest sports star in New Orleans is, you might say Drew Brees or Anthony Davis. Well, Jarrius “J.J.” Robertson blows them out of the water.
The 14-year-old with biliary atresia, a rare liver condition, has drawn the most attention at NBA All-Star Weekend in The Big Easy. He’s probably the one having the most fun, too.
Baller alert: @Jarrius.#NBACelebGame pic.twitter.com/PI1cEXvZ6k
— NBA (@NBA) February 18, 2017
Robertson had a liver transplant when he was just a year old. Due to complications, he was put into a medically induced coma for almost a year. No one thought he would make it, and his parents didn’t want him to suffer anymore, so they took him off the ventilator. That’s when a miracle happened.
The respirator was taken away. But JJ was not ready to stop fighting. He started to breathe on his own. Doctors couldn’t really offer much of an explanation. JJ’s mom came up with her own: “It was a miracle – nothing but God.” (It Takes Lives to Save Lives)
Robertson stole the show with this shot during the NBA All-Star Weekend celebrity game.
ICE IN HIS VEINS!@Jarrius for 2!#NBACelebGame pic.twitter.com/suLIy4sjKK
— NBA (@NBA) February 18, 2017
He also has plenty of adoring fans, including the New Orleans Saints.
WATCH: “You don’t have to tell me twice!” @Saints superfan @Jarrius gets signed LIVE in Times Square! https://t.co/pYW0XkKire
— Good Morning America (@GMA) October 18, 2016
Even the “experts” are after his opinions about players in the league.
Had a chance to do a quick interview with the next big thing in sports journalism @Jarrius @NBAAllStar @TheUndefeated pic.twitter.com/7Bs5iR9fUH
— Kevin Merida (@meridak) February 18, 2017
As for his health, he’s currently on a waiting list for another new liver. If you’re interested is supporting him, visit his GoFundMe page to help with medical costs. Then, continue to watch him have the time of his life on the NBA’s center stage.