Redskins!!!! More Amazing DUKES!!!!

We had a wonderfully unexpected awesome experience this weekend with another former JMU Duke. For many of you who have followed our story, you know how special the JMU Dukes are to both us and to Cooper. You've also heard about Cooper's friendship with Raven Greene, and in many blogs we have also mentioned Cooper's favorite player from the team last year Jimmy Moreland. One of the reasons Cooper loved Jimmy so much is not because he was an amazing player (even though he WAS) or because he was going to make it to the NFL (even though he has), but because he supported Coop from day 1. He always wore his Cooper bracelet, never takes it off, and he would also often send messages to us cheering him on or supporting him in some way. Jimmy is a kind and good person and has always shown support for Coop. 

Last year Jimmy got drafted to the Redskins so I thought it was only appropriate that we go watch him play since he is right down the road. 
Jimmy's Mom, Yvone, has also cheered on Cooper from afar through JMU Nation and checked up on him frequently. I asked Yvone if they were by chance coming to the game since they live in FL and they were heading up. We invited them to tailgate with us. We were so excited when they showed up to chat, meet Cooper and eat some food. Jimmy's Dad, Mom, Aunt and Uncle joined us. They are truly wonderful and kind people! We are so thankful that we finally got to meet the Moreland crew. Mr. and Mrs. Moreland gave Cooper their passes to go to the players lot after the game so Cooper could finally meet Jimmy. 



Tailgating with the Morelands!




 Here's the coolest part of the story. We randomly ended up sitting about 2 sections away from the Morelands. At the end of the game we walked over to thank them for coming to meet us for a tailgate and tell them to have a safe trip home. When the team was running off the field, Jimmy's dad scooped Cooper up and ran him down to the tunnel so he could see the players leaving the field and hopefully wave a Jimmy. Jimmy saw his dad with Coop and took his jersey off and gave it to Cooper. It was such a cool moment. I remember Jimmy sending me a message right before he went to the combine and he said "when I get to the NFL, that kid is going to have my jersey." Coop thought it was SOOOOO cool that he got to take home something that special. 




Cooper with Jimmy's dad at the tunnel.

Cooper got to meet Jimmy after the game and have him sign the jersey. That will be going on the wall right next to his Raven jersey!


 Coop and Jimmy

 




 I am always proud and thankful to be a Duke because of the amazing people who come out of that school. We have been supported beyond belief. As I have always said, it is not what you do on the field, but what you do off the field that matters most. We are grateful for good and kind people who make a difference for kids fighting big battles. Thank you Moreland family and Jimmy for a weekend to remember. 














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