Special 13-year-old runs for touchdown in football debut

By Mark Goodson

Highlander Sports Editor

JJ Tellez is a special young man.

The 13-year-old loves football, fire engines and just being a kid.

“He’s a great kid,’’ said his grandmother Linda Tellez. “He loves football, he loves the Dallas Cowboys…He’s always wanted to play football and he got to do it yesterday. It was a special day for all of us, especially him.’’

Tellez has grown up with a heart problem and has been diagnosed with Williamson Syndrome, a Tellez has grown up with a heart problem and has been diagnosed with Williamson Syndrome, a genetic condition that has affected his heart. Despite his limitations, he’s excelled in the Life Skills program at Marble Falls Middle School.

He’s been a manager for the Marble Falls Middle School program this season and Tuesday the coaches arranged for him to take part in the Mustangs seventh grade B-game.

After the opening kickoff, the Mustangs ran a pitch play to Tellez. After securing the football, he turned up field and raced 70 yards for the game’s first score. Players, coaches and fans all roared in approval for the special moment for Tellez.

What did Tellez think about his big score?

“It was easy,’’ he said. “I just ran.’’

He ran as fast as he could, tucking the football under his arm.

“He’s a real personable kid,’’ said Linda Tellez. “He talks to you once and he’ll always remember your name.’’

Tuesday’s big score was the culmination of a lot of perseverance.

“He has always wanted to play football,’’ Linda Tellez said. “His cardiologist told he parents that he couldn’t play anything physical because of his heart. This year, my son went to the coaches and they were really good about letting him be a manager for the team. Yesterday was the last game, so they decided to let him play the one play.’’

By the way, JJ wore jersey No. 1 for his touchdown sprint.

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