Jean Gordon
Wednesday, December 11, 2024 11:18 am
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While many families were anticipating a weekend of high school football and watching college and NFL games, JJ Ervin, 14, was having the time of his life experiencing a dream come true during a VIP trip to Seattle, Washington that began Nov. 22.
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.
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.
At only three years old, JJ received an autism diagnosis and remained nonverbal until age five. At age 14, JJ's passion and confidence have been discovered through the game of football.
JJ was introduced to Dream On 3 by one of the organization's referral partners and was the third Dreamer from Rutherford County to be granted a dream, said Marketing Specialist Kelsey Ruocco.
"Our hearts are full of gratitude and appreciation to both organizations. This once in a lifetime experience was everything we could have hoped for and more," said JJ's dad, Joe, about the VIP weekend.
While in Seattle, JJ was welcomed into the Seahawks family by team representatives who took JJ and his family on the scenes tour of the stadium.
About the experience JJ said, "Thanks to Dream On 3 for a great trip. My favorite part about the trip is going on the field. I like how nice everybody was. It's been great to be part of the 12th man."
(The number 12 is associated with the Seattle Seahawks in a few ways, including the retired number 12 jersey, the 12th man flag, and the Seahawks 12 Club restaurant).
"Although this avid sports fan appreciates all teams - the Seattle Seahawks hold the prestigious title of J.J's favorite NFL program. JJ had never been to an NFL game although he dreamed of attending a Seahawks game", said Ruocco.
"Our absolute favorite moment was watching JJ enjoy several minutes on the field during our tour on Saturday. It was clear to everyone involved that JJ appreciates the playing field," said Joe. " There is no doubt that the football field is his personal sanctuary and place of peace. Then to have the Seahawks win the game on Sunday made for a perfect dream weekend."
While in Seattle, the family stayed at the The Lotte Hotel, toured in the Emerald City and had a private tour of Lumen field with JJ's newest friends, Connie and Marcus from the Seahawks. Connie was able to take the family behind the scenes, but JJ's favorite part was getting to be on field, watching the time clock, and seeing the lights.
Even Connie and Marcus said, "We're so thankful to JJ for slowing us down." He has such a way of making everyone around him realize what actually matters."
After the tour, JJ shopped at the team's store where he chose a DK Metcalf jersey, two Seahawks hats, and a stuffed Seahawks mascot, Blitz. Following the shopping spree, the crew headed to Pike Place Market for lunch. Being the first time in Seattle for JJ and his family, the market was a hit for the Rutherford County family.
Sunday was the day JJ had been waiting for and was up and ready to go by 6:30am. The first stop of the day was the Ticketmaster Tailgate in the Lumen Event Center. JJ spent all two hours of the event playing the newest college football video game with his sister.
Before the game, JJ and his family were able to spend time on the field. JJ loved taking in all of the sights and sounds of an NFL game from the field. Before kickoff, the family headed to their seats to watch JJ's beloved Seahawks defeat the Cardinals 16-6, making them first in their conference. JJ was in his element and couldn't stop smiling the entire time.
Before leaving for Seattle, JJ received a heart warming sendoff from his peers at East Rutherford Middle School and East Rutherford High School's football team. JJ, who is a student at East Middle and is the ball boy for the East Rutherford Cavaliers has loved football most of his life.
"It was a moving send off full of cheers and high fives. It was very emotionally moving just to take in how accepted and loved he is by his classmates and peers," said Joe. Among JJ's heroes is Phillip Russ, East Rutherford football coach, who was instrumental in organizing the emotional sendoff.
With JJ being their biggest fan and #1 ball boy, the high schoolers were all thrilled to be on site to support JJ in the same way that he has always supported them and to wish him well being able to watch his favorite NFL team play ball.