.@AdoreeKnows‘ mom was diagnosed with breast cancer last year and couldn’t go to any games.
Today was a good day ? pic.twitter.com/oTlyLgicH8
— Pac-12 Network (@Pac12Network) September 10, 2016
USC’s Adoree’ Jackson is a special athletic talent. The junior is listed officially as a defensive back, but in reality he’s a jack of all trades who starts at cornerback, but also fields punts, kickoffs, and even lines up as a wide receiver from time to time. He has football on Sundays in his future, but Adoree’ spent this past spring working on an Olympic bid in the long jump before eventually falling short.
While his exploits on the field may have earned him USC’s 2015 MVP and a nod as one of the team’s captains this year, what happened to him on Saturday surely trumps all of that.
Adoree’s mom Vianca made her return to the stands to cheer on her son Saturday after a bout with breast cancer, and that momentous occasion made for an incredible moment of television after the Trojans 45-7 victory over Utah State in Los Angeles. While Adoree’ was stopped for a postgame interview, he acknowledged his mom before embracing her with a long hug.
Eventually Vianca was invited to speak. She was clearly emotional as she opened up about her experience, saying, “I wasn’t able to come to no games last year, I was diagnosed with breast cancer.”
She continued, noting that she beat cancer in just four months before proclaiming “I’m so proud of my son,” while fighting back tears.
Beating breast cancer and seeing your son suit up for a traditional football powerhouse is enough, but Vianca got a bonus on Saturday because in the third quarter of the Trojans victory Adoree’ fielded a punt at the 21 yard line and took it to the house.
USC 31, Utah State 0.@AdoreeKnows takes it to the house! His third career punt return TD. #FightOn #BeatTheAggies https://t.co/NXqteFajQB
— USC Trojans (@USC_Athletics) September 10, 2016
