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New Orleans Saints: ESPYs are must-watch for fans

By Rebecca Mills

NEW ORLEANS, LA - FEBRUARY 17: New Orleans Saints Super Fan Jarrius 'Little JJ' Robertson celebreates after scoring during the NBA All-Star Celebrity Game at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome on February 17, 2017 in New Orleans, Louisiana. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Jonathan Bachman/Getty Images)
NEW ORLEANS, LA - FEBRUARY 17: New Orleans Saints Super Fan Jarrius 'Little JJ' Robertson celebreates after scoring during the NBA All-Star Celebrity Game at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome on February 17, 2017 in New Orleans, Louisiana. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Jonathan Bachman/Getty Images) /
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While the ESPYs aren’t a big deal, this year is a special treat for the New Orleans Saints whose superfan will be honored during the show.

The ESPYs are the sports world’s version of the Grammy’s. There are categories for almost every single professional sport and a lot of the top athletes in each are rewarded. The New Orleans Saints have won their fair share of ESPY awards, but this year is a little bit different. One of the most well-known and popular Saints fans will be honored.

I doubt anyone reading this won’t know, but Jarrius Robertson is the New Orleans Saints superfan seen at almost all their games, practices and other team-related events. Robertson became a mainstay with the Saints in 2015 after being visited in the hospital. Since then, the “hype man” has become a huge part of the Saints organization and franchise.

At only 15- ears old, Robertson has been through a lot in his life. He has biliary atresia, a disease affecting the liver. The disease, unfortunately, develops in babies anywhere from two weeks to four months old. It’s an extremely rare disease and has resulted in Robertson already undergoing two liver transplants. His most recent transplant occurred earlier this year.

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Robertson doesn’t let his disease get his spirits down. He’s always extremely positive and excited, no matter what he’s doing. His attitude seems to rub off on the players too. Everyone Robertson encounters always leaves with a smile on their face and it’s all because of him.

ESPN will be honoring Robertson on July 12 with the Jimmy V Perseverance Award. The award is given to “someone in sports who has overcome great obstacles through perseverance and determination.”

What better way to honor such a positive and strong young man? Past winners have included Craig Sager, Leah Still and Anthony Robles.

After finding out about his award, a few Saints players recorded messages for Jarrius. The minute-long video posted to ESPN’s Youtube channel is bound to make anyone smile. It just shows how much Jarrius means to the team and how he’s inspiring people.

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Even if you don’t watch the whole show, checking in to see Jarrius is a must. I’m sure he’ll make a heartfelt yet hilarious speech. Coupled with Peyton Manning as host, anything can happen. The ESPYs air Wednesday, July 12 on ABC at 8:00 p.m. ET.

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