High school football star steps out of bounds for grieving teammate

High school football star steps out of bounds for grieving teammate

DigitalSports | November 2, 2012
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St. Clairsville High (Ohio) star running back, Michael Ferns, had already been accepted to the Michigan Wolverine football program. The highly regarded recruit has put up spectacular numbers for the Red Devils in his high school career and drew the interest of multiple colleges from around the nation. But just a few weeks ago, Ferns showed the world why football can be more than just a game. In the waning minutes of a game against rival, Edison High, Ferns took a handoff that saw him rumble 57 yards down the field in what was sure to be his twelfth touchdown of the season. But to the surprise of everyone, Ferns stepped out of bounds at the 1-yard line. Some were confused. Others thought he might be hurt. Even the refs were unsure if he crossed the goal line or not. But all the confusion came to a halt when Ferns called out teammate Logan Thompson to get the next handoff. Thompson's father had just passed away of a stroke just two days earlier. Ferns was clearly setting up the play for his heavy-hearted teammate. Fittingly, Thompson, who had never registered a single carry, would score the first touchdown of his varsity career. After the game, Thompson expressed his emotions on Twitter:             While Ferns will go off to Michigan and do good things for the Wolverines, Thompson was clearly the star of this victory. Below is a video of the moment: