Weis fulfills promise to dying boy
September 26th, 2005
With Notre Dame pinned deep in its own territory to open Saturday’s game against Washington, Notre Dame coach Charlie Weis faced a difficult decision. On one hand, the Irish were at their own 1-yard-line following a fumble recovery, and a pass play was risky.
On the other hand, a few days earlier Weis had promised a dying boy, 10-year-old Montana Mazurkiewicz, that he’d run whatever play Montana wanted him to at the start of the game. Montana had called for a “pass right.”
Weis fulfilled his promise to Montana and ran a pass play to the right. Quarterback Brady Quinn completed the pass to Anthony Fasano for a 13-yard gain.
Unfortunately, Montana wasn’t able to see the play. He died of a brain tumor at his home the day before.
Before his death, Weis paid a visit to Montana, whose family lives in South Bend, Ind. Weis and Montana talked football, and Weis gave him an autographed ball before telling Montana he could call the first play in Saturday’s game.
The story is touching, and worth a few minutes of your time to read.
Wow, that is an amazing story. Although I’m a Georgia Tech fan and pretty much hate Notre Dame, I am very happy that the coach still decided to call the play. I love hearing stories of compassion like this, these are the kind of people we need more of in the world.
Great to see a coach who knows what’s important in life. Years from now we’ll have all forgotton the scores but that act of kindness will always be remembered.
I grew up hating Notre Dame football and always will, but I just can’t root against Charlie Weis. I respect what he did in New England, and he’s carried it over to South Bend. Darn him!