(Photo: ESPN screen shot)
It’s a bold claim, but I’m going to make it: If you watch this video and don’t get emotional, you should check your pulse. You don’t have to cry, but something should stir inside you.
You’re about to meet Anthony Starego from New Jersey. He’s 18, but functions at the level of a 10-year-old. He’s the last person you might expect to become a football hero. But that’s exactly what happened this fall.
After watching a Rutgers football game in 2006 that ended in a game-winning field goal, his mom told ESPN Anthony turned to his dad and said he wanted to be a kicker.
“I’m like, ‘okay buddy. You do know that you don’t like contact? Um, well, okay,’” his dad, Ray, explained. No matter. Anthony set out and did it. The repetition of the kicking position perfectly suited to the needs of the way he was made.
(Photo: ESPN screen shot)
“45. Ask my dad. I kick 45 in practice. And maybe some from 50,” he told the network when asked about how far he can kick.
And that’s not an exaggeration. Anthony is so good he became his high school’s varsity kicker. And in late October, he became a legend. He kicked a game-winning field goal to upset state powerhouse Toms River North.
“I’m thinking, ‘this is it. This is his moment. The moment that every kid, much less my kid, my kid who probably shouldn’t even be on a football field, now has the chance to have a moment that he’ll remember for the rest of his life,’” his dad said about the moment.
And boy was it memorable.
(Photo: ESPN screen shot)
“That kick is a kick of hope. We did it. Buddy, we did it. We did the impossible.”
Cue the emotion. Watch the incredible story — with video of the game-winner — below:
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Comments (82)
MeCpl13
Nov. 29, 2012 at 12:49pmCongratulations, Anthony!!!!!
As a parent of an autistic child, I am so grateful this story was shared, and so proud of Anthony and of his family. WELL DONE!
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3monkeysmomma
Nov. 29, 2012 at 1:17pmMy little boy is autistic. He is also math and music savant. He amazes me everyday.
In spite of all our challenges, I wouldn’t trade him for anything in this world.
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Rajabear1
Nov. 29, 2012 at 2:06pmHello all. I suggest you all take a look at this story from the uk and it’s end of life program for infants and children (it already happens with the elderly). It will shock and horrify you, but it is VERY important you read it and send it to all those in your lives that are totally ‘stoked’ about obamacare.
At this point, it looks as if it is the parents involved with the decision, but I’m willing to bet in time, if not already behind closed doors, the government will choose what’s ‘best’/cost effective for them.
To starve or dehydrate any being to death is painful and unconscionable. What will they say when they face the Lord is beyond me. Yet we get slammed for waterboarding murdering terrorist. Go figure…
PLEASE spread this everywhere. ‘Human rights violation’ if I ever saw it, yet it is considered merciful. CRAZY!!!!
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2240075/Now-sick-babies-death-pathway-Doctors-haunting-testimony-reveals-children-end-life-plan.html#ixzz2DcUKj73D
Found it on drudge.
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stage9
Nov. 29, 2012 at 2:57pmWell, this dispels all of the myths by those who suggest that aborting babies with disabilities is a morally acceptable thing.
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2getherWeStand
Nov. 29, 2012 at 4:42pmThat is heartwarming. I have a child that, sadly, won’t ever get to play football. But yay for this kid and his family. I’d also like to add that there is a UN treaty that will be voted on Tuesday, that takes the decision out of the hands of parents and into the hands of the state regarding their disabled child. It has serious consequences to these children, and also to homeschooling families if we as a nation sign on to this. It is the UNCRPD, and sounds like it would help the disabled, until you read closer. Our senators that want to put our sovereign nation under the UN are claiming it’s non binding, but haven’t read our constitution. The constitution says that all treaties we as a nation are party to are binding. Look it up if you don’t believe me. I believe parents have their childs best interest at heart, and this treaty will take that away from us. It won’t be left up to the parents, or even the child, and I’ve never known the governement to make the best choices for much, let alone the UN. The UN telling the US what to do, when we already have our own laws, is absurd, with the likes of countries like China, Russia, et al, with their human rights violations. Sorry, if this isn’t the place to bring this up, but as a mother of a special needs child, and a homeschooling parent, I’m very worried about the UNCRPD treaty, not to mention the other ones coming.
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db321
Nov. 29, 2012 at 7:28pmAntony is pretty lucky, he was blessed with some great parents. No one can ever accuse Antony’s Dad of not being the proudest man on earth. Great Story.
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banjarmon
Nov. 29, 2012 at 11:38pmThe smile says it ALL…God Bless
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tcpubelle
Nov. 29, 2012 at 12:42pmI had the priviledge of working with Spencer, a serverly autistic boy. His father is a pediatrician, his mother an untiring bundle of energy and love for each of her family members. She once spoke to an audience about her son Spencer. She explained that she and her husband had done everything they could to change Spencer, but without success…and then that little quiet voice spoke to her. It said, “You didn’t come here to earth to change Spencer, Spencer came here to change you.”
Anthony, Spencer, and all of those special people who come into our lives. Thank you for changing me.
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Tayper
Nov. 30, 2012 at 11:23amVery well said!
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THANKFULHEART
Nov. 29, 2012 at 12:32pmI have been reading TheBlaze since the beginning but have not commented until now.
Having a 4 year old with Autism, this story gives me hope. He already has quite the kicking ability and will kick a football for hours everyday. I pray that he will be met with compassionate people to give him the opportunities to display his talents, whatever they may turn out to be.
The world is becoming void of compassionate people who will come alongside my husband and I to train, teach and encourage not just my child, but now a whole generation of children with Autism growing up in a cruel, cruel world. This is the sign of the times and saddens me greatly.
BLOOMYTOAD below is the opposite of compassion. Any child, “special” or otherwise, doesn’t have a chance with the attitudes reflected by those of Bloomytoad and others who share his thoughts regarding high school athletics or anything else that would impact a child for good.
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bankerpapaw
Nov. 29, 2012 at 12:02pmGood for you, Anthony. Good for you.
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armyofnibiru
Nov. 29, 2012 at 12:18pmhope the cowboys recruit him.
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Mapache
Nov. 29, 2012 at 12:51pmIts the Packers that need a kicker….bad!
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Blazen420
Nov. 29, 2012 at 11:57amGreat story!
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OniKaze
Nov. 29, 2012 at 11:51amAnytime a handicapped person can walk side by side with a “normal” person on equal footing, its a touching story, especially when they can walk in front….
This guy may have a mental handicap, but that doesn’t mean he is a worthless person. I never understood people who make fun of Handicapped people or look down on them… I admire them… They make do in life with problems that I do not have, and I can totally respect the effort it takes them to do so… Did this guy need help from others? Sure, but who doesn’t… This kid realized he wanted to do something and he set out to do it… Not only that, but he succeeded..
It just goes to prove that you don’t have to be perfect, all you need to be is determined…
Way to go Kid….
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armyofnibiru
Nov. 29, 2012 at 12:21pmnot only has our potus used them for a joke ,he looks down his nose at every one .watch him when he speaks if you don’t believe me.
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ReddirtOkie
Nov. 30, 2012 at 12:57pmWell said. And yeah, I did shed a tear and rejoice in the human sprit that God has blessed us with.
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batteredtaxpayer
Nov. 29, 2012 at 11:42amWouldn’t it be nice if he became a free agent and made the pros?
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OniKaze
Nov. 29, 2012 at 11:52amI believe if that happened I might actually start to care enough about football to watch it…
I would be a fan… I love people that overcome adversity…
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UCSDKID
Nov. 29, 2012 at 11:09amObama wants that take that jersey. Afterall, Anthony didn’t kick that… someone else made that happen.
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48Straights
Nov. 29, 2012 at 10:37amSo tell me why does the typical Blaze reader root for this disabled person, but is more than willing to destroy the life of the mentally disabled woman on the other link, or the Dad and daughter selling the car.
Has TheBlaze really dropped this low in the tabloid gossiping cesspool?
I miss when TheBlaze was more concerned with the real news than Google Adsence and Saturday Night Live.
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Inlightofthings
Nov. 29, 2012 at 10:52amWell you make sense to some, but only those that would have you believe the dad of the exploited 20 year old girl is mentally handicapped. You also plant a seed of support that even if the dad is handicapped that is exploitation is acceptable given that he is handicapped. It’s a classic failure of the left to excuse behavior and hold those in judgment accountable but not the actual perpetrator of the exploitation. It’s something right minded individuals will never understand.
The Blaze didn’t destroy the young womans’ life. Seems if the guy could afford a car like that which he was peddling, he was right minded enough to make a better choice. And at 20, the same is true for the young lady. It’s about choices.
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jblaze
Nov. 29, 2012 at 11:31amInlightofthings
Well said! Unfortunately, 48 is handicap of critical thinking.
This is an awesome and wonderful story! Only the left would make something sorted of it. Rather pathetic really!
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turkey13
Nov. 29, 2012 at 11:37amThat dad is promoting his daughter as a h_ooker. When I go to school to pick up my 5 year old grand son I go past the third grade classes and see little girls with makeup on . One little girl that her mother enters in beauty contest’s looks like a 4 ft tall street walker including false eyelashes. I think the school should have a ban on makeup and send them home if they wear it.
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48Straights
Nov. 29, 2012 at 12:52pmI am talking about the mentally ill woman TheBlaze posed that shows her **** to the vacuum salesman. Not sure why TheBlaze thought it was newsworthy and yes TheBlaze has destroyed her life. http://www.theblaze.com/stories/this-is-the-most-bizarre-local-news-interview-you-may-see-in-your-lifetime/
Thank you for your thoughtful reply inlight.
The comments by jblaze and his ilk is exactly what I am talking about with the hatefulness and ignorance of the typical Glen Beck followers and his website. Jblaze you may want to at least read peoples comments and understand them before insulting them.
I use to be a Glen Beck follower, but the hate and ignorance displayed by TheBlaze and its readers is phenomenal as displayed here.
TheBlaze has sunk to nothing more than a tabloid. Either Glen Beck does not read it, does not have any control over its contents, or he is all about the money as it was when in the email TheBlaze admitted that the reason why the linked to Saturday Night Live was all the revenue they were getting off of adsence.
I miss the old Glen Beck and Blaze. Now you can not trust them.
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SquareHead
Nov. 29, 2012 at 10:19amGreat Story, Great Kid, Great Parents.
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WINNEBAGOMAN
Nov. 29, 2012 at 10:18amBeautiful. Poetic. Life.
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perry1980
Nov. 29, 2012 at 9:53amGreat Story!
Live the Dream
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Proverbs17-12NLT
Nov. 29, 2012 at 10:11amobama says redistribute the points to make the game a TIE.
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GrayPanther
Nov. 29, 2012 at 9:46amA wonderful story. The parents that love him, his school that supported him and Anthony who took the task on and fulfilled a dream every boy has to win something for his team and therefor the benefit of all our hearts.
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bloomytoad
Nov. 29, 2012 at 9:22amSorry, but if he functions at a 10 year old level in high school, how is he academically eligible to play varsity sports? Did they just make an exemption for him because he is “special”? I appreciate the effort he had to put in to make the team, but I don’t like if the rules were set aside for just him.
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mtonepa
Nov. 29, 2012 at 9:49amGet serious, what a tool you are.
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Dismayed Veteran
Nov. 29, 2012 at 10:18am@Toad
Sometimes it is just nice to read a happy story. Lighten up. It is just a game. They probably bent or broke the academic rule. So what. The coach is responsible for completing the mission of winning the football game. Rules are for guidance to the coach not written on high and carved in stone. The coach and the team completed the mission. They won.
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JerryNic
Nov. 29, 2012 at 10:31am@Bloomytoad You are a douche bag.
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searcher
Nov. 29, 2012 at 10:35amno, it’s that special needs kids have talent beyond what normal folks believe. That these kids should not be locked away and hidden. They are special and as this young man proves, he is a special.
Praise God that this young man has parents that have encouraged him.
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geminicontender
Nov. 29, 2012 at 10:44amToad suits you perfectly
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Gonzo
Nov. 29, 2012 at 10:51am“Lighten up Francis.”
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OniKaze
Nov. 29, 2012 at 11:58am@Bloomy
I won’t jump on you and call you names like many others on here, because I can’t tell if you had a question or really were just being a jerk..
But It is possible to function at a 10 year old level but still be in H.S. I went to high school with a guy who was 17 (functioned at a 11 year old level when it came to everything but academics, which oddly enough, he was pretty good at….) He didn’t understand people, or social situations, and was very easily distracted… But he COULD study well, and if you asked him a question, he would give you a correct answer….
Mentally handicapped doesn’t always mean stupid… Sometimes it just means that something isn’t quite right, and they function in a way “normal” people do not.. Maybe this kid is the same way… So its possible that the school didn’t break ANY rule… But who knows..
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Kevin
Nov. 29, 2012 at 1:26pmI’m sure that he is in the special ed program. Usually each district runs that program as they see fit under guidelines placed on it by the state Dept of Ed. I would assume that he has classes tailored to his academic level. That’s far less disruptive than putting him in a 4th grade class room where he would fit in academically…
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TroyTruth
Nov. 29, 2012 at 3:34pmAutism covers a broad spectrum of mental disability. My son is 14 and has autism. He has the maturity of a 10 year old but makes A’s and B’s in his 8th grade classes. Regular classes not special classes. The only exception to his school day is that he has a special needs teacher go over problems he has understanding something in class and to assist him in calming down when he gets stressed out. Several of his autistic friends are in advanced classes and doing well. Autism is usually not so much about smarts as it is about maturity, emotions and social interaction. Many autistic children are quite bright. Autism was sorely missing in the political arena this year and should’ve been addressed.
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HI_Don
Nov. 29, 2012 at 6:17pmAcademic rules in sports are for those who can and should care about their grades but don’t, the spirit of this rule was never about punishing anyone who shouldn’t be able to perform academically but does. Anyone who knows anything about schools, knows that it goes without saying that Anthony works hard at his studies and most likely makes the progress he is expected to and more. If you think Anthony should be in his grades calculus and AP History classes with others his age, your an idiot. And I’ll bet if you saw his report card, his teachers have glowing reports of how well he does with curriculum he is given. Can’t say that about a lot of the “normal” kids playing sports even if they mange to stay ahead of the GPA rule. One thing I do know about autistic and downs syndrome kids, is if they are anything they are kind and respectful. Never met one that was rebellious. They can be shy and fearful and want to avoid tasks or conflict for those reasons, but never out of disrespect.
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NYRightwinger
Nov. 29, 2012 at 6:57pmAnybody that can take a wonderful story as this one and only wonder if a rule was broken really needs to go to OZ for a heart. Give me a break!!
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Taquoshi
Nov. 29, 2012 at 7:16pmOkay, Toad, you asked a fair question.
At least in my state, the town is required to provide an education to all the students who live in the District until they “age out” of the system at 21 or “graduate” with their classes. Some students are severely disabled and have an “out of District” (OOD) placement, usually in a special school that can cater to their needs. Other students may be less disabled, but more challenged. Therefore the school can provide aides and special instruction to work with the student. It seems like Anthony was one of these students would was in a special education program. Therefore, as a member of the student body at his high school, he would be able to try out for the team. Since he was applying for a place kicker position and not a full back or line backer, he could participate without running the risk of injury or as his father pointed out, having to learn different plays. And he’s good at kicking.
Needless to say, there is more to this than my simple explanation, but that is basically how it works.
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sadcaeks
Nov. 30, 2012 at 8:56amI know you were being snarky, but I’m going to respond for the benefit of people who may actually care to know the answer. I didn’t see anywhere that he was making poor grades. Academic qualification has to do with letter grade/GPA, not the academic at which one functions. No rules were bent or broken for him to participate. My son has Autism. He goes to a specialized school outside of our home district, but he is permitted to participate in all extracurricular activities in his home district. Provided that he makes the cut of course. That means academically and physically. So, you can rest your weary head. No rules were broken for this amazing young man. Feel better now?
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mmishio
Nov. 30, 2012 at 10:50am@ Toad Seriously!!???
As the parent of a special needs Autistic spectrum child, I am gonna tell you to either educate yourself or go crawl back into your cave and scratch yourself. My son who is on the spectrum has some of the same characteristics as this young man. He is smart above his grade level by a couple of years but still developmentally delayed below his age level. Most spectrum kids are very intelligent in terms of learning but have stunted social interaction skills.
So educate yourself before spouting off about something you obviously have little knowledge of.
I applaud this school and this young man for challenging himself to excel in whatever way despite the difficulties that he obviously faces.
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DRsnapper
Nov. 29, 2012 at 9:18amevery body at that school including the team really know him well (he does not like to be touched )after scoring he runs around every body trying to congratulate him , and then it looks like some understand him a little more and kinda try and catch him if he goes to far away .but he stops. awkward i would say!I ALSO NOTICED HOW NOTHING CHANGED AND CELEBRATION CONTINUED ”THEY JUST ADJUSTED A LITTLE ” YOU CAN SEE THEY LOVE HIM!!!
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SpankDaMonkey
Nov. 29, 2012 at 9:09am.
I hear his parents want to hold him back so he can play next year………..
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fb274
Nov. 29, 2012 at 11:43amIn Texas a special needs student can stay in High School until the age of 20. It is the option afforded to the parents and student.
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Eastinfection
Nov. 29, 2012 at 9:04amWhat a nice story…. also, he could probably increase his average by a few yards if he could learn to steady his arms a little bit in his approach to the kick…
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normalmom
Nov. 29, 2012 at 2:28pmHow well he does is amazing for a kid with autism. Keeping themselves steady is very challenging, even ones who are “higher” functioning (closer to their own age).
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Gonzo
Nov. 29, 2012 at 9:02amAwesome!
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jungle J
Nov. 29, 2012 at 9:00amHe is like many of the NFL players.
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SaturdaysWarrior76
Nov. 29, 2012 at 8:57amThe worth of souls is great in the eyes of God. If you want a glimpse of purity, look at this young man. Purely beautiful. Nicely done Anthony!
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Jenny Lind
Nov. 29, 2012 at 9:25amWell said, thank you.
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Vickie Dhaene
Nov. 29, 2012 at 10:50amVery well said. Acceptance is the product of God’s LOVE.
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HollyRye
Nov. 29, 2012 at 8:57amThis touched my heart more than I can say. My nephew is autistic. I see him struggle to find a place to fit in. I see his parents struggle to walk that fine line between helping and challenging him. I see his younger siblings struggle to understand why their big brother is different. And I see them all growing in character, love and faith through this journey. Anthony Starego’s winning field goal was most assuredly the result of his family’s loving struggle as well. A sweet victory.
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Soulphoenix
Nov. 29, 2012 at 8:55amPeople like Anthony – and his parents – help us to remember who we truly are and why we’re here. The amount of sacrifice and love that built toward that incredible climax can’t be measured. And it can’t be created or regulated by government.
Thank you Anthony.
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TEXASGRANNY73
Nov. 29, 2012 at 9:56amYes. And young.middle aged or old we can all learn from Anthony and his parents and his team.
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OhSuzieQ
Nov. 29, 2012 at 8:47amYou go, Anthony! Go Anthony! Go Anthony! Go Anthony!!!
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TEXASGRANNY73
Nov. 29, 2012 at 9:49amYes. You go, Anthony. You are a winner of winners. And so are your parents. Makes us proud to be Americans. Tears, yes. Brotherly love, yes. Whoops, there goes another rubber tree plant!!!
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kickagrandma
Nov. 29, 2012 at 8:30amYou go, Anthony! Watching you kick is like watching the slow motion film of the Cheetah: all GOD AND GRACE~ Nice job, young man. Hooray for your parents, too.
Classmates and teachers, teammates and friends ~~~ kudos to you, too!
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Sil in CNY
Nov. 29, 2012 at 8:29am…..and he did (build) that himself <3
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kickagrandma
Nov. 29, 2012 at 8:50amYES! He did. Isn’t GOD amazing?
In the nwo, babies/children/young adults like Anthony would be killed…..
How have we fallen so far?
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TEXASGRANNY73
Nov. 29, 2012 at 10:08am@Kickagrandma
Good question but on the other hand look how high we’ve risen when Anthony can play football with the regular guys. And win. And make us all proud. Wow.
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NYRightwinger
Nov. 29, 2012 at 7:24pm@KICKAGRANDMA “In the nwo, babies/children/young adults like Anthony would be killed…..” The sad truth is we kill our babies even when they are completely healthy. It’s just another form of birth control. They say that we study history so that we don’t repeat our mistakes of the past, but I guess we didn’t learn from the holocaust or slavery when human life was devalued to the point where man decided who was worthy of life and who wasn’t. .I guess all we have to do is use terms like Jew, Slave, or Choice to describe the less desirables. Take comfort in the fact that it only comfirms what the Word promised would happen before Christ returns. .
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