Ike Ditzenberger is a 17-year-old high school student with Down syndrome and a player on Snohomish Panthers football team in Seattle. Ditzenberger made the news recently with what his teammates call "The Ike Special," an touchdown run designed especially for him.
The Vikings were up 35–0 with seconds to go, when the Panthers quarterback made the hand-off to Ditzenberger. The Vikings sluggishly allowed the Panthers' offensive line to shove them aside, as Ditzenberger sprinted 51 yards to the end zone.
The score now 35-6 as time expired, Ditzenberger performed a touchdown dance with his adoring teammates. Check below for the newly released video of the whole thing, including the tear-jerking screams of excitement from the crowd as soon as they realize what's happening.
One last bit from this story, in case you aren't already bawling (in a manly way, of course). Ike's mother, Kay Ditzenberger, told the media that she couldn't have been prouder of the other players: "They redefined worth. Players often are defined by their scores on the board, but they showed he was worth their effort and time."
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Monday 04 October
By noanswersfoundhere
I honestly just don't know. I work with a down syndrome kid who would definitely hang his head and complain that "they didn't try!" But then, maybe Ike is a much more severe case and can't distinguish the reality. I think the rest of us just have to trust that the people involved went with what they thought was best -- they know the individuals involved and none of us do.
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Wednesday 06 October
By danny cook
I watched the KOMO TV story behind the touchdown. I am convinced that they did a good thing. It was not pity, it was not meant to make fun of someone with down syndrome. I think it was an act of compassion and love. There will always be naysayers about everything good in this world, but sometimes even people who don't have special needs, do need a leg up. I applaud these young men who had enough compassion and care for Ike to help him move forward in a world which might normally hold him back!
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Thursday 14 October
By anul fuzz
GAY. I WOULD HAVE STRIPPED THE BALLL CLOTHESLINED HIM AND TAKEN IT THE OTHER WAY FOR 6. THEN I WOULD HAVE GOTTEN 15 YARDS FOR A LATE HIT ON THE PECKERHEAD. WE NEED TO SHOW HIM TOUGH LOVE.
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