54-Year-Old Man Will Play Football For Oregon Ducks

Posted on February 4, 2015 by Kay Stevens in sports

EUGENE, Oregon –

Oregon head coach Mark Helfrich shocked many Oregon fans today when he announced he will sign an unconventional recruit: 54-year-old tight end Victor Spinelli.

Spinelli was a major high school standout tight end at La Grande High, graduating in 1979, and recruited by many elite schools. But tragedy struck when Spinelli was diagnosed with heart cancer.

“I eventually beat my heart cancer,” Spinelli said. “But it left me with a weakened heart that made exercise and even normal breathing close to impossible. I couldn’t get in shape. But I was able to have a successful heart transplant three years ago thanks to donations from family and friends and slowly I got back into okay shape.”

“He’s an amazing example of a person overcoming extreme adversity to achieve their dreams,” Helfrich said. “And while he’s not as athletic as our other players he has a big heart and I think overtime he’ll be a pretty good player for us. Maybe.”

Spinelli was given a full-ride scholarship and will join the team early so he can play spring football. He plans to major in sociology.