Legless Lineman Plays Varsity Football

Skirting
that fine line between inspirational and sick….

VALENCIA CA – It is a story
of strength, courage and determination in Valencia. A
15-year-old boy overcomes incredible odds, to play football.

Like other athletic 15-year-olds, Chris Gonzalez is getting himself ready
for football glory at Valencia High School. But unlike other student
athletes, Chris
is a defensive lineman with no legs.

ABC7 Eyewitness News talked with Chris today and learned that when he was three
his legs were amputated above the knees because of severe complications from
chickenpox.

We watched as Chris practiced balancing on his foot-long stumps and using his
arms to race across the field. Amazingly, his determination enables him to keep
up with the other players.

Chris told Eyewitness News’ reporter Leo Stallworth that at first his mom didn’t
want him to play football. He said, "She was worried I’d get hurt."

The young teen does not want to be treated like a special person. He says he
just wants to play football and be part of the team.

According to the
video report, Chris also plays varsity
basketball, and has a dynamite three-point shot.

from Channel
7 ABC Los Angeles