Brandon Pearson is a 16-year-old who attends Nottingham High School.

Pearson has down syndrome, but that didn't stop him from playing for the Bulldogs Junior Varsity football team. On Thursday, Brandon's mother Brandiss thanked coaches, staff, and his teammates for their compassion, patience and generosity toward her son.

"Celebrating these boys means so much to me because these boys don't even realize the impact that they have on Brandon and his family and the community," said Brandiss Pearson. "Brandon has had multiple surgeries throughout his life, including heart surgery but he continues to persevere. 

"He teaches me how to be fearless, he teaches me how to overcome adversity. I mean Brandon has had heart surgeries, he's had countless surgeries. And some didn't go so well, but he didn't miss a beat. His resilience is enviable, said Pearson."

Brandon has not only been a member of the JV football team, but also participated in Track and Field this past season.