Minnesota Football: Kicker Justin Juenemann surprised with scholarship (Video)

Minnesota football coach P.J. Fleck and a patient at a local children’s hospital surprised kicker Justin Juenemann with a scholarship this week.

When head coach P.J. Fleck had teenage children’s hospital patient Kyle Tanner come in to talk to the team, no one thought anything of it other than a feel-good story. The head coach was trying to put life into perspective and show his players that there’s more to life than football.

However, Fleck asked the young Fanconi anemia — a rare blood disease — patient who his favorite player was, he looked to the crowd. He pointed to Justin Juenemann, stating that he had come to the hospital multiple times to visit and he’s been a favorite of his ever since.

Obviously flattered, Juenemann earned cheers from his teammates and then Fleck spoke about a t-shirt gun that he had in his office earlier when meeting with Kyle. He said that the Kyle wanted to try the t-shirt gun out, but his mom wouldn’t allow it. He told Kyle that he could use it in the team meeting room, telling him to aim it at Juenemann and launch him a shirt.

Little did Juenemann know, his shirt had writing on it which said that he would be on scholarship for his senior year at Minnesota.

Just check out the awesome moment:

The senior kicker has worked hard for this moment and Fleck wasn’t afraid to make the young college athlete’s career. He has never attempted a field goal or extra point in live game action, but the backup kicker could get some action this season, especially since he’s now on scholarship.

Kyle’s story should not be overlooked either, though. The young patient needed a marrow transplant from a stranger through the Be The Match Registry.

It was cool to see such a bright young kid involved in a moment like this. He now has a life-long memory to carry with him.

Next: College Football: Top 50 breakout candidates for 2017

As for Juenemann, he worked hard to earn this scholarship, per Fleck. The first-year Minnesota coach was known for surprising walk-ons with scholarships in interesting while at Western Michigan. We can expect more of this in the future.