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JJ Ervin is heading across the United States this fall to watch his favorite NFL team play football -- the Seattle Seahawks.
It's definitely a dream come true for this young guy who knows about football.
The son of Rev. Joe and Liz Ervin of Forest City, JJ was selected by the nonprofit organization Dream On 3 to travel to Washington along with his parents and sister to enjoy a Seahawks game. Several other surprises await him there.
Dream On 3 makes sports-themed "dreams" come true for kids and young adults, ages 5-21, who are living with life-altering conditions including those with mental health challenges and intellectual disabilities.
JJ was introduced to Dream On 3 by one of the organization's referral partners and will be the third Dreamer from Rutherford County to be granted a dream, said Marketing Specialist Kelsey Ruocco.
Dream On 3 has communities in the Carolinas, North Texas, Rocky Mountain, Georgia, and D.C. The organization was founded by Brandon and Elizabeth Lindsey in 2013.
Dream Recipients are given the opportunity to live out their ultimate sports dreams through customized experiences with a favorite athlete, sporting event, or sports team.
JJ and his family's experience will include luxury accommodations, transportation, and dining as well as other activities based on his interests and the big game.
"All the fun is anchored to the main event - JJ's requested Sports Dream," said Ruocco. "JJ is going to be a VIP at one of the Seattle Seahawks home games...Other details will be a surprise to JJ and his family."
Diagnosed at age three with autism and nonverbal a few years, JJ is challenged in social skills that often come to him slowly, said his father.
Today as an eighth grader, JJ at age 14, is in a traditional classroom with certain times of his day spent with a Special Education Team to make sure he is doing well.
"He has some pull out time, but we definitely want him to be engaged in the classroom as much as possible," said Ervin.
When JJ began kindergarten he was in special needs classes, but teachers soon discovered he was being held back intellectually and JJ began to go into a traditional classroom setting.
"As far as his academics, he is standard," said his dad.
JJ hasn't been able to connect well with his peers, so making friends has been a challenge.
"One thing we have learned, that through his football he doesn't have to say a whole lot to a part of this team," said Ervin.
Although JJ plays football at East Middle, "he is not the kid who will get a lot of playing time," said Ervin. "He finds a lot of peace and comfort in the game."
JJ was born the same year his dad began his chaplaincy with the East Rutherford High School football team. When JJ was about eight years old he was allowed to be the ball boy at East and the guys on the high school team became important to him.
"It's really the only thing he's really known... then he started hanging out with me on the sidelines," said Ervin.
JJ runs the football for the Junior Varsity and Varsity teams for the games.
Although a little awkward and with some anxiety, Ervin says JJ "has been able to make pretty special connections with coaches and players in the outside world."
Regardless of where he has been, football has always been such an outlet and his favorite sport.
During a time when JJ was attending Camp Harmony, the family learned of Dream On 3 and JJ was actually referred to the organization by a camp counselor, Ali Flack. Her brother, Chad Flack became involved and knowing JJ's love for football and sports, began to make some connections with the Charlotte based organization.
"So in November, we're going to Washington," said Ervin.
The announcement that JJ had been selected as a 'dreamer' was made recently at a scrimmage game at East Rutherford.
"We were kind of asked to keep it under wraps, but JJ being the booger he is, overheard some of the conversation and it wasn't a complete surprise," Ervin continued.
Joe said his son is a person of few words, "but the way his face lit up, said it all. It was that million dollar smile. We are so thankful. We are really humbled that we got chosen."
This football season, look for JJ on the sidelines of the East Rutherford football games, having the time of his life and waiting for his dream to come later this fall in Seattle.
