For one afternoon, the Hornell football team had a new coach on the sidelines, and according to second grader Jamar “J.J.” Wicks, he may have also been the fastest person on the field.

Before undergoing brain surgery for Chiari malformation, J.J. was invited to spend a special day with the Hornell Varsity Football team, where players and coaches welcomed him as one of their own. He received his own jersey and helmet, joined the team on the field and even got a chance to do a little coaching.

His favorite part?

“Me running a 99-yard touchdown and telling the boys what to do,” J.J. said.

And when asked what it was like to suit up alongside the varsity players, J.J. offered the kind of answer only J.J. could give.

“It was good,” he said. “I’m faster than all of the team.”

Behind the smiles and touchdowns, however, was a much bigger journey for J.J. and his family. J.J. was diagnosed with Chiari malformation, a condition in which part of the brain extends into the spinal canal and can lead to a range of symptoms and complications. After working closely with his medical team, his family learned that surgery would be the best option to address the condition. Following several changes to his surgery date, J.J. underwent surgery on Sept. 22.

Before that day arrived, Darnell and members of the Hornell Varsity Football team wanted to give J.J. something special to look forward to.

“The opportunity came from Darnell and the Hornell Varsity Football team wanting to show their support for J.J. and our family,” his mom, Reagan, said. “They welcomed him into their practice and allowed him to be part of the team for the day. It was such a thoughtful and generous gesture, especially with everything he had been going through.”

For Reagan, watching her son simply get to be a kid was one of the most meaningful parts of the experience.

“With his surgery approaching, there was understandably a lot of uncertainty and emotion surrounding what was ahead,” she said. “Being able to spend time with the football team gave him something positive to look forward to. It made him feel included, supported, and like he was just a normal kid getting to have an amazing experience.”

The visit was made even more special because it helped J.J. celebrate his seventh birthday.

Reagan said she will always remember the way Hornell’s players embraced her son.

“Watching the players welcome him, include him, and treat him like one of their own was incredibly special,” she said. “Knowing that they took time out of their day to make him feel so important is something our family will never forget. It truly made his birthday extra special.”

Now, J.J. is showing that same determination in his recovery. His surgery went well, and he was able to return home from the hospital sooner than his family expected. 

“He is doing great,” she said. “Right now, we are taking everything one day at a time and focusing on letting his body heal.”

Throughout J.J.’s journey, his family has also felt the support of a much larger team — the Hornell community.

“The football team, the school community, and our hometown have shown J.J. and our family so much love, kindness, and support throughout this entire journey,” Reagan said. “They have reminded us that we are not going through this alone.”

For J.J., having so many people in his corner has provided encouragement during some difficult days. For his mom, it has been a reminder of what makes the Hornell community special.

“I am incredibly blessed to be raising my children in a community that shows up for one another,” Reagan said. “We will never forget what Hornell has done for J.J.”

And J.J.’s time with the Red Raiders isn’t over yet.

On Oct. 9, he will once again join the football team on the field for Homecoming — giving his teammates another opportunity to spend time with their honorary coach.

As for what J.J. wants to say to the players and coaches who have been cheering him on, his message is simple.

“Thank you,” he said. “Just thank you.”