University Southern California Trojans
Photo by: Ryan Abraham
Taylor Fights On
August 24, 2017 | Football, Trojan Outreach, USC Ripsit Blog, Features
Yesterday, USC Football hosted a special guest at practice. Ten-year-old Taylor Hammond, who's battled leukemia for four years, wore a custom No. 2 USC jersey and a USC hat as he ran around Howard Jones Field with the Trojans.
The Hammond family lives in Las Vegas, but travels to Children's Hospital Los Angeles often for Taylor's treatment. That's where USC defensive line coach Kenechi Udeze, who beat leukemia a decade ago, first met Taylor. Ever since then, Udeze has remained in touch with Taylor's family, exchanging devotionals with his father, Brian, every few days.
"He got a blood transfusion last night, and he came out and he's running 100 yards like it's nothing," said Udeze of Taylor. "It's amazing to come out here and see him with everything going on, him still being a fighter and a champion."
Taylor played catch on the field with USC QB Sam Darnold to prepare for his big moment. With the entire team in formation, Taylor lined up, caught a shovel pass from Darnold, and ran it into the end zone for a touchdown amid the Trojans' cheers and chants. Redshirt freshman WR Josh Imatorbhebhe lifted him up on his shoulders before the team presented Taylor with a signed football.
"He is the definition of Fight On," said USC head coach Clay Helton. "He's always wanted to have the opportunity to come out here, be around our guys, catch a ball from Sam Darnold ... Just a neat, special moment."
The Hammond family lives in Las Vegas, but travels to Children's Hospital Los Angeles often for Taylor's treatment. That's where USC defensive line coach Kenechi Udeze, who beat leukemia a decade ago, first met Taylor. Ever since then, Udeze has remained in touch with Taylor's family, exchanging devotionals with his father, Brian, every few days.
"He got a blood transfusion last night, and he came out and he's running 100 yards like it's nothing," said Udeze of Taylor. "It's amazing to come out here and see him with everything going on, him still being a fighter and a champion."
Taylor played catch on the field with USC QB Sam Darnold to prepare for his big moment. With the entire team in formation, Taylor lined up, caught a shovel pass from Darnold, and ran it into the end zone for a touchdown amid the Trojans' cheers and chants. Redshirt freshman WR Josh Imatorbhebhe lifted him up on his shoulders before the team presented Taylor with a signed football.
"He is the definition of Fight On," said USC head coach Clay Helton. "He's always wanted to have the opportunity to come out here, be around our guys, catch a ball from Sam Darnold ... Just a neat, special moment."
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