5 year-old cancer survivor scores touchdown with Browns on Family Night

The Cleveland Browns held their "Family Night" during practice at FirstEnergy Stadium Saturday and capped off the evening with Ryan Encinas, a 5-year-old cancer survivor, taking a hand-off from quarterback Brandon Weeden and running 50-yards for a touchdown with Trent Richardson leading the way.

With a few tons of blockers ahead and the weight of cancer treatment behind him, the tough five-year-old — wearing an over-sized Browns helmet and a No.1 with the name "Encinas" on the back of his jersey —clutched the football and ran for the goal line in front of a crowd of 24,134 fans cheering every emotional step.

From his parents view:

The youngster got caught up in the the excitement of the moment, and lost in the canyons of 300-pound linemen,  and prematurely spiked the ball around the 30-yard line before head coach Rob Chudzinski picked up the loose ball and handed it back to his little running back.

As Ryan crossed the goal line, he was lifted onto the shoulders of linebacker Craig Robertson and congratulated by the entire team in the end zone.

“That was cool,” Weeden said. “When Chud told us we were going to do that in team meetings, I was pumped about it. That was a cool deal. The kid is 5-years-old and he's been through a lot. I do a lot of stuff back home with Children's Hospital, so every time something like that happens, it brings a lump to your throat.”

Good play call, guys.

[Browns.com]

Trent Richardson takes cancer survivor to high school prom

Alabama running back Trent Richardson donned a white tux, rented a limo and made a 17-year old girl's dream come true by taking her to her senior prom.  This was no ordinary date since Courtney Alvis is a cancer survivor and had never met the player before Saturday's date.

Alvis' uncle took a chance that Alabama's biggest sports star would even consider escorting his niece to the Hueytown (Ala) high school prom, but Richardson came through in white and pink colors.

Richardson— who did not attend his own prom— said going to the dance with Alvis was a no-brainer since his mother was a cancer survivor herself.

"I did it out of my heart," said the 20-year old Richardson.  "I am lucky to be here with Courtney."


Alvis— who began chemotherapy a year ago and is now undergoing maintenance— was concerned about her appearance and prepared to stay home on the big night before her uncle took charge and contacted the university.

It should be a pretty busy time for the couple.  Alvis has graduation coming up and Richardson is expected to be the first running back selected in the 2012 NFL Draft.