Drew Brees and his family posed with Alex Ruiz, a 17-year-old high school quarterback who lost his leg after injuring his knee. Brees gifted a prosthetic leg to Ruiz with the promise to give him another one built for athletics when Ruiz is ready for it.   

“It was a very emotional presentation and really exciting for everyone in our league to be a part of it,” said Brees, who surprised Ruiz on Friday through the Football ‘N’ America flag football league that he co-founded in Louisiana last year and expanded to San Diego this spring.  

 “If there’s anything above cloud nine, that’s where I’m at right now,” the 17-year-old told local reporters after spending time with Brees — and even throwing him a pass.  

Brees said a friend of his in Temecula called him during the Saints’ season and told him about Ruiz’ situation, so Brees sent a personalized jersey to Ruiz, with the hopes of one day actually meeting him. 

“In the back of my mind, I said to myself, ‘I hope I get a chance to meet this young man someday,'” Brees recalled. “Alex has suffered a long and very difficult road but has remained so positive and insists this set of circumstances will not hold him back. He still has loftier goals than ever for his athletic career and beyond. We wanted to help his dreams come true.

“This is what it’s all about — providing the best family experience we can through our FNA flag football leagues and connecting with the communities in which we play.” 

Drew is really one of those special athletes. Not a bad bone in his body. You can check out more below.