The New England Patriots will play with a heavy heart Saturday night.
Sam Berns, 17, lost his battle with progeria, a rapid aging disease, on Friday night. Berns had been an inspiration for the Patriots, and especially owner/CEO Robert Kraft, this season.
Kraft released a statement on the passing of Berns. In it, he mentioned that the team had invited Berns to be an honorary captain for Saturday night’s divisional-round playoff game against the Indianapolis Colts.
Watch Berns meet the Patriots in a video posted on ESPN.com.
Here’s Kraft’s full statement:
“I loved Sam Berns and am richer for having known him. He was a special young man whose inspirational story and positive outlook on life touched my heart. I am so lucky to have had the opportunity to spend time with him and to get to know his incredible family. Together, they positively impacted the lives of people around the world in their quest to find a cure for Progeria. The HBO documentary, ‘Life According to Sam’ shared his incredible story with a national audience. It was so beautifully done. It made you laugh. It also made you cry. Today, it’s the latter for all who knew Sam or learned of his story through that documentary. Earlier this week, I had extended an invitation for Sam to be the Patriots’ honorary captain for tonight’s playoff game. I was looking forward to spending more time with Sam and his family. News of his passing came as a complete surprise. It is another reminder that we can’t take anything for granted. Be sure to give your loved ones hugs and kisses and tell them how much you love them. My heart aches for his parents, Scott and Leslie, his aunt Audrey and the rest of Sam’s extended family. Words cannot express the sadness or the depth of sympathy I feel for them today.”
Have a question for Doug Kyed? Send it to him via Twitter at @DougKyedNESN or send it here.
Photo via ESPN.com
