ESPN: George Meets Running Back Saquon Barkley

When 15-year-old George was sidelined from football due to cancer, he didn’t let his illness deter him. The diehard New York Giants fan found motivation from NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year Saquon Barkley.

It’s one thing to look up to someone, but it’s another to actually meet your hero. ESPN and and Saquon surprised George and let him know that George would be joining the Giants’ sixth organized team activities gathering. WITH granted George's one true wish to meet Saquon, while adding in a special surprise for George to join the Giants' sixth organized team activities gathering.

From team meetings to the practice field, Saquon and fellow teammates made this teenager feel like a Giant. He helped call plays and watch his idol run routes in front of him. The highlight for George was at the end when he huddled with the team and called them out, “Giants on three … one, two three,” then tossed the ball with Saquon.

Today, George hopes to emulate the attitude, drive and determination of his favorite NFL star to help him get him back in the game he loves.

Thank you to Disney and ESPN for their support of the “My Wish” series as part of The Walt Disney Company’s philanthropic and outreach initiative, Disney Team of Heroes, delivering comfort and inspiration to families with children like George fighting critical illnesses. Beyond assisting with this year’s series, Disney – which owns ESPN – has been a steadfast friend of Make-A-Wish for more than 40 years and has helped the organization grant hundreds of thousands of Disney-related wishes, including the first official wish in 1980.

George’s wish was granted by Make-A-Wish Northeast New York.