It didn’t matter that Jack Kocon cheers for the Minnesota Vikings. When Green Packers wide receiver Randall Cobb appeared on screen, the teen smiled from ear to ear.

Kocon and good friend Ty Koehn appeared on Good Morning America Wednesday to talk about their heartwarming moment on the baseball diamond that went viral.

During the state tournament, the lifelong friends were on opposing teams, and when Koehn struck out Kocon to send his team to the state championship, the pitcher ran past his own teammates to give Kocon a hug and console him. What he said?

“You had a great season, you’re a great player and don’t let this situation, don’t let this outcome affect our friendship… I told him I loved him and he’s my brother and our friendship will always last longer than this silly game.” (WCCO)

 

 

“In 20 years I won’t remember the score of the game but I’ll remember what Ty did for me,” Kocon told Robin Roberts on GMA.

The boys thought they were simply going on the morning show to talk about the great display of sportsmanship ahead of the 2018 ESPY Awards. Little did they know that Cobb and producers had a little something up their sleeves.

“I just wanted to tell you that both myself and my teammates take inspiration from the kind of sportsmanship you demonstrated at that game,” Cobb told them in a video message. “I’m also excited to let you know that ESPN has selected you to be a recipient of an honorary ESPY Award. Thank you for being a great example for all of us.”

 


It was a well deserved surprise for Kocon and Koehn, who already understand that friendship is worth celebrating more than any big play in a playoff game.

And they’ll continue to keep that in mind as they root for their respective NFC North teams, too.