In Video: NFL team makes player's son an honorary captain after completing cancer treatment
A Special Kickoff: Jacksonville Jaguars Honor Young Fan with Leukemia
This weekend’s NFL matchup between the Jacksonville Jaguars and their opponents was extra special for one team in particular. The Jaguars had an honorary captain at the coin toss, Wesley Hines Allen, the 8-year-old son of defensive end Josh Hines Allen. The special moment took place during a critical period in Wesley’s journey with leukemia, which he was diagnosed with at the end of the 2024 season.
A Life-Changing Diagnosis
Josh Hines Allen remembers the moment he received the devastating news that his son had leukemia. “I was just like, is this real? It just kind of hit me, and nothing else mattered after that,” he said in an interview with WJXT News 4 of Jacksonville.
A Father-Son Moment to Remember
Sunday’s coin toss ceremony brought together a special father-son duo, as Josh and Wesley shared a heartfelt moment on the field. “Oh, man, it was huge, man. Just to be able to really capture that moment, catch those memories with him, that’s something I will never forget,” Josh said. “Just to see him out there holding my hand, through the flag, you know, the Pledge of Allegiance, and then going out there where me, holding his hand the whole way. Man, it meant a lot.”
A Journey to Remission
Wesley completed his cancer treatment in August and his doctors are now pleased to announce that he is in remission. “Wesley is doing great,” his doctor said. “He is swimming every day, he is running around, he is playing sports.”
The “The Four One For All” Foundation
The Hines Allen family is furthering their support for pediatric cancer research by starting their own foundation, “The Four One For All” Foundation. The organization aims to provide hope and inspiration to families affected by pediatric cancer, while also funding research initiatives to find a cure.
The Jacksonville Jaguars’ honorary captain ceremony with Wesley Hines Allen served as a powerful reminder of the impact that cancer can have on young lives and the importance of continued support for those fighting the disease.
