May 23, 2013; Ashburn, VA, USA; Washington Redskins quarterback Robert Griffin III (10) prepares to throw the ball during organized team activities at Redskins Park. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports
Eight-year-old Lateef Brock, who was born with chronic kidney disease and had a kidney transplant last November. The Redskins Charitable Foundation and the Make-A-Wish Foundation made his dream come true.
It began with a call from head coach Mike Shanahan informing Lateef that the Washington Redskins had drafted the tiny football player. He also informed him that he was required to report to Redskins Park Tuesday for practice.
“We told him he was a first-round pick and that we would give him a play, but he’d have to make it into the end zone if he was going to make ,” Shanahan told the Washington Post. “He’s pretty quick, too. I asked Bruce if we could sign him to a two-year contract instead of .”
But like any player, he had to get a contract worked out and agreed to first. He drew the line in the sand at unlimited candy and the Redskins agreed to the terms. He might have even inspired running back Alfred Morris for his next round of contract negotiations.
“Man, I need to renegotiate my contract,” Morris said. “I want candy.”
Robert Griffin III, the player Lateef chose to spend the day with seemed to be deeply moved by his time with Brock.
“I feel blessed that he chose me to be the guy he came out to practice with and hung out with,” Griffin said. “I don’t have any kids, but a lot of the coaches do and they say that when you have a kid, you get more sensitive to things that happen with little children. It’s sad to see what he’s gone through, but I’m glad that we could make his day on this day.”
Amongst hanging out with RG3 and participating in passing drills with the star quarterback, he got to hang out in the locker room, try on London Fletcher’s helmet and even got some punting tips.
The last play of the practice Brock took a hand off from back up quarterback Rex Grossman and took it into the end zone where he celebrated with his new teammates.
Running back Alfred Morris seemed moved by the experience as well.
“He said he was going to take my job,” Morris said. “I said, ‘Okay, but it’s not going to be easy. I’m not a pushover’ … He’s just the type of running back the NFL wants. One cut and get up field, and he did just that. He’s got some speed behind him, too.”
“I’m glad he came, and my heart does go out to him. He’s so young to deal with so much.”