Feb 4, 2017; Houston, TX, USA; New Orleans Saints superfan Jarrius Robertson arrives on the red carpet prior to the 6th Annual NFL Honors at Wortham Theater. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports
Jarrius Robertson, 15, isn’t a professional athlete, but he sure is as popular as one.
Maybe you’ve seen his face on the NFL sidelines? Or at the NBA All-Star game? Or in a WWE ring?
Robertson has biliary atresia, a chronic liver condition that has forced him to endure two liver transplants and 13 surgeries.
He’s a huge sports nut, and a New Orleans Saints superfan. In fact, the team signed him to a contract in 2016 to become their official “hype man,” meaning he helps get players fired up before practices and games.
Because of his involvement in sports, it was recently announced that Robertson will be the recipient of the 2017 Jimmy V Perseverance Award on July 12 at The ESPYS.
“When I first heard the news I thought I was dreaming!” Robertson said in a statement. “The ESPYS? For real? The past two years have been a blessing in so many ways for me and my family. I have been able to do things I never thought I would be able to do. But to be included with Craig Sager, Stuart Scott, Leah and Devon Still, Eric LeGrand and the man himself, Jimmy V, is truly amazing and I am really grateful and humbled.”
Named for late college basketball coach Jim Valvano, the award is given to an individual in sports who overcomes huge obstacles and doesn’t give up.
If you’d like to learn more about Robertson, give this ESPN clip a read.
