The Ike Special - Varsity Edition (2010)

[@tinroofbusted]

I watch all types of football NFL, CFL, COLLEGE, UNIVERSITY, AND HIGHSCHOOL. This was by far the best touchdown I have ever seen, Pure sportmanship at its best. Very Classy gentlemen and very well done. You have done us football old timers proud.

[@davidbaye]

This is one of the most wonderful things I have ever seen. Its a testimony to the human spirit and the true character of the coaches and players. I'm 30 now, and have some great memories of high school football, but I can only remember a few specific plays from my time on the field. The other 21 young men on the field that evening were truly part of something great and I have no doubt that they will remember that play for the rest of their lives. Thank you for sharing this video.

[@fftchewie1]

I was at the Seattle Seahawks game vs. the Arizona Cardinals, in Seattle, when they commemorated Ike with a personalized 12th Man jersey, as well as a picture with his fellow teammates and the Sea Gals cheerleaders during halftime. Amazing sportsmanship, amazing child.... The way we should all act towards one another. Kudos to the student athletes and coaches from both Lake Stevens H.S. and Snohomish H.S. for making this happen. RESPECT

[@gmichalowicz]

I love this...As a football coach and lover of the game and what it promotes, this is an amazing story. Both teams and coaching staffs are to be commended for taking this time to show another side of the game. It makes you feel great about life when you see simple things like this!!!

[@johnmarines123]

I'm glad to see that there are still people out there that care. People cant imagine how special this kid feels. He will be suffering for a very long time but moments like this will help him with not only the pain but the emosions aswell.

[@debbierivera10]

To know a special needs child is to know unconditional love. It is clear that Ike was able to teach his team and the world that love has no limits. God bless Ike and his teammates . Thank you this video made my day.

[@Buffheart]

This video almost made me cry! I have worked with various Special Needs people of all ages, abilities, and needs since I was 16, and never have I seen anything so wonderful! It just goes to show that anything is possible:)

[@mistermilkshakes]

This is so heartwarming :) the kid will remember this for the rest of his life.

[@JeremyMorgan]

Watching this video made my day. If you read the article, Ike showed up for drills for 3 years, working very hard for this. He's earned it. Everyone deserves to be a champion, and Ike truly is. Kudos to the Snohomish and Lake Stevens players for helping to make it happen.

[@aubsss429]

I was there for this game, and WOW. I have to say that my friends and I were touched to see this going on. Lake had such sportsmanship to allow Ike to do this, and Im glad he did! I hope to see him score many more touchdowns in the future! :)

[@Jaydogg4lyfe]

In my 15 years of coaching football, I have never seen a greater display of sportsmanship in my life!!! With all of the negative things in sports that go on, it is a wonder that no one has shown this on National television!!!!!!! Way to go, coaches, for being human beings, not just competitors!!!!!!

[@teresalmao]

Young men demonstrating humanity and compassion to millions. I hope that everyone watching this learns an important life lesson, and that the young men on the field carry this forward throughout their lives.

[@Pattonfrodo]

It took all I had not to cry, I wish more people in this world would show this sort of kindness. And Sportsmanship for that matter!

[@JasonHoneycutt]

This will be one of the highlights in this kid's life, he'll never forget it. Awesome stuff guys, this was great.

[@WolfGunn1331]

This is why i love my generation. people think we might be punks or low-lifes, but it's people like tis that make me smile. Thank you =)

[@peteray60]

With everything else you see and hear in sports these days it is nice to see that there are players and coaches that still value sportsmanship over the score board. It is not if you win or lose, but how you play the game, that defines character.

[@jimmyandzach]

Im Proud to be A Lake Stevens Viking. To see such compasion and sportsmanship from my own school is truly amazing. Cant wait for the new year!!

[@carlosjoaquindiaz209]

mad props to that defense shows a lot of character on their part. Ike you just a scored a 51 yd touchdown good job buddy.you showed a lot of courage and this truly inspires me, when there is something you want in life, dont let anything stop you. You the man Ike!!!

[@CindyCarolLee]

#42's dive for the tackle is PRICELESS. That kid displayed awesome sportsmanship. Not to mention Ike's great end zone dance!!! Love this video!!!

[@Harmfull]

Thats just one of those things that can change someones life :)

[@TRM831]

i cried for a second. you don't see alot of touching moments like that now days. good stuff!

[@shorty4u262002]

This made me cry! WTG! Both teams rock for giving this kid a memory he will cherish like no other!

[@dallasbagley]

I went to Snohomish for my freshman year of high school. It's crazy to see it get this kind of recognition! Deservingly so, y'all are some stand up young men for doing this.

[@sethncohen]

Go IKE! Sports and young people can teach us so much. Thanks for the post.

[@jjkusaf]

Very cool, not just for Ike, but for everyone else that got to see it. It is a touching display that made a huge impact on a young mans life. Very cool.

[@m7groove]

I'm a grown ass man and I damned near cried! Thats athletic character at its BEST! CONGRATS to The Vikings, The Panthers and most of all to IKE! NICE JOB!

[@jennietine]

my eyes IMMEDIATELY filled up w tears. that was so great :) kudos!!

[@jenai324]

Can you imagine the joy he probably felt at making that touchdown. Truly incredible. Most high school teams wouldn't have given that kid the time of day. It's just so heart warming that there are still good people in this world.

[@bluntedoffmyazz]

I love this video. For anyone that has played football then you know the heart and soul of the game and why this play fills your eyes. Its about being there for your teammate no matter what. And I'm glad that the other team at least made the play look real to Ike by chasing after him. For those that bash on this video, you have no heart or soul.

[@palmsit]

Ike's Dad - I'm looking forward to the day when this happens to my son Stan (aged 8) - over here in the UK it'll be soccer (we call it football anyway) - really great film to have......steve

[@Tanirocker]

THANK YOU for renewing my faith in humanity!

[@cielowalker38]

(Part III) I heard of this on the radio while driving through Tacoma yesterday as a DJ read an e-mail from a man named Michael. That e-mail was meaningful and valid in its point. The whole episode simply illuminates the fact that we would rather “feel good under false pretenses” than “be good through hard work”. Disguised in the hype and apparent happiness is failure.

[@scifan3]

You know... this is a nice gesture... Take it at face value... they really made that kids day... and gave him a memory he'll cherish forever... it matters not that it was given to him... Great character for the football players involved.

[@zackman251995]

that was so fun to watch when i was at this game(:

[@craftingblues]

How many of you have had to watch this video more than once? I always feel better and get a smile on my face (through the tears) after I watch it.

[@YellaStarsa]

This makes me cry.... it's s beautiful how two teams can come together and let him have a moment of limelight.^_^ IKE!!! IKE!!! IKE!!! IKEEEE!!!!!

[@gregglesauras]

took a lot of heart for the teams to agree on letting this kid do something he wont forget. this was awesome.

[@trewq422]

wow. thats just amazing. i love seeing wonderful things like that. i wish the whole world could be like this.

[@siindee]

wow! i don't know you guys but you guys' make this game look good :) you guys rock and keep it up IKE!!! :)

[@DuctTapeBanditJ]

This has been nominated as one of the top moments in Seattle sports for 2010. Please visit the Seattle Times website and vote for it there. Voting ends at 5pm Pacific time on Christmas Eve with results published on Sunday December 26.

[@Toddzilla1337]

Sign that kid up for the Special Olympics! That was an amazing run!

[@4347cloud1]

This was a great thing to see.I am very proud that this was allowed to happen.Great play Great play.

[@capus22]

@whothehellami719 Ike and the parents visited Lake Stevens (the rival school) days later to say thanks

[@datgurlsolovely]

that was really sweet of them to do that...i kno he'll remember that for ever...got me over here tearing up...

[@IronDioPriest]

The human capacity for love and kindness can be such a thing of beauty when people choose it.

[@Royalhighlander]

Great to see sportsmanship alive still and to those 100 who disliked this vid... shame on you...5 starts and a thumbs up!!!

[@prsian1011]

"JUST SAY HI" THIS VIDEO IS SO AMAZING I CRIED :) AT THE COMPASSION AND HOW HUMAN KINDNESS CAN REACH SUCH BOUNDARIES! His teammates treat him the way he should be with kindness,fairness and RESPECT

[@theone2225]

Way to go man!! Nice Touchdown!! It's great to see him be able to do this!! Lots of Class there from both teams!

[@Eleazar0]

times like these reminds everyone what its like to care for one another...

[@KayyyRae]

That was a very nice thing to do. I'm sure this made him feel great.. Good job to both teams for this!!

[@killerducklingfart68]

this is so inspirational. dont let anybody tell you you cant do anything

[@fatalwish666]

if the whole world could have just a touch of the kindness these kids showed it would be a much better place.

[@RockwellArchery]

stuff like this shows there still is hope for us.

[@eaglegene]

Very classy & touching moment. Kudos to all involved & most importantly CONGRATULATIONS to Ike.

[@ghost2171]

Awesome, very awesome!!!! He even had a little victory dance in the end zone. You the man Ike.

[@cgc]

Restores a little faith in humanity....beautiful run, Ike....beautiful run.

[@daveycroteau]

These Boys, coaches and fans/parents on both teams are to be commended! This is what it is all about. This should be played by every coach in this country before this coming weekends HS games.

[@MrMakaveli425]

this video is awesome.. imagine how that kid felt as he passed the goal line, something he'll never forget. good for Ike

[@redsoxandpats]

Man you don't see something like this often..And when you do it's always special..

[@cheer7blondie9]

this is such an amazing video

[@jeddyhi]

Holy moly....decent people still exist! I cried watching that TD. Bunch of big hearted people in Washington State. Bless you all!

[@mikieatcvs]

Both teams should be proud of what they did for this young man. Parents of both teams, nice job raising your boys!!

[@Jezko68]

Awesome. Gets me choked up, just watching it.

[@Assasin128]

Great sportsmanship on both teams, not tackling him and letting him get the touchdown, probably one of his most memorable moments.

[@bigdoe35]

Lake Stevens, that is a class act!!! Championships Are win with class and great character!!! You have shown you posada both qualities. Good luck with your season..

[@DilekBulut]

The Bus! Good job kiddo, you're in much better shape than most of us!

[@coolness201]

congrats to him and that was really nice of both the teams to do

[@Louisianagames]

Ok Guys and Girls, looks like Ike is Going to be reading this post in his moment of Glory ! Speak Your good comments as we all watch the Victory of this run for him !!! Ike You ran that ball back like no other person on Your team could..! From a Saints fan, " Bless You Boy "

[@newman20072008]

this is , i cant even find the words, SO AWSOME

[@thepuppetstv]

another reaason why America is so special thanks to people to admire and be inspired by like ike! Congrats to all involved.

[@NewOrleansMusicRadio]

Excellent Play Ike ! Well executed on all parts of the team(s) BIG APPLAUSE IS IN ORDER So Ike Can read this blog tomorrow ! Hands Up to You Ike !!

[@MrRobertoa1]

I think the football players got a lesson on nobility. They are heroes in my book. This boy and his family will never forget that night. It is hard to get a marriage to work together can you imagine 2 football teams. God bless the coaches on both teams and the young men on the field.

[@ButtMunchandNugget]

GO IKE!!!! your awesome. so are you vikings!!! :D you totally made my day. i love this clip LOVE AJ AND RYLEE

[@siino21]

whoever dislikes this is downright morally sick and misguided. this is an unbelievable example of great people in this world. what a moment

[@romnomz]

how can people click dislike for this video? it's heart warming.

[@LeslieCalibuyot]

@ZachElk Because there were articles of this all over the internet, and they had the video embedded on their website along with the article.

[@8-BitHeart79]

I have twins with Autism and can only hope they get the same respect in highschool, as thery give this young man! Awsome Ike HIGH FIVE LITTLE MAN!

[@whothehellami719]

Good heart to both teams and both coaches. I'm not sure if the kid noticed but hell, i bet it made him feel great!

[@beksblzr]

I hope every last one of the players parents, friends and school are proud of them. In a time when people can still be some major a-holes towards people that don't look and act like them this was great to see. I hope this video gets played out! And be sure to share with your friends.

[@shanks8318]

That's a beautiful thing to see. Shows that people can come together and create a moment to make someone's dream come true. With that being said, it would've been f***ing hilarious if someone on the opposing team just went full speed and laid him out.

[@djd3j90jd]

man that is so nice. I play on jv and varsity ice hockey and on the jv team there is akid with down syndrome and this very same thing happeened where he scored his first goal on the last game of the season. the other team was so nice about it and it was nice to see him and his father so happy.

[@cloverguy911]

@Primarus Yes the coach on the other team told his players to let him score and just to make it look like there trying.

[@MrRayBnz]

The best featured video on youtube so far! Other featured videos suck & are useless. Ask the empty bottles why...

[@sydlee613]

This is wonderful!

[@JeremyMorgan]

@sditzenberger Well said. He also scored that touchdown from his own hard work and dedication, and he also raised the bar for all of us.

[@colownnn]

At 0:14 there is a block in the back on Snohomish's number 78. This play should have been called back.

[@bigclarkie99]

Puts a new meaning to the term "Special Teams"

[@bashildy]

Whomever #42 was on Lake Stevens, great sportsmanship in "attempting" the tackle. You made a much bigger impact than any tackle would ever do. Same to all the players that blocked and kept it close so that it wouldn't be patronizing.

[@ryanlfc91]

brings a whole new meaning to touchDOWN

[@TheDCZone]

Ups for both these teams. Great sportsmanships from both sides. No matter how little this might seems to ya haters.This touchdown probably meant a lot to this kid cause he can finally see that his hard works through practices are paying off. A beautiful play from both sides! ^^

[@katya2032]

@HiddenPwnage117 Yes, they let him score. The running back who scored has Down's Syndrome. There's a story on Ike and the Snohomish Panthers up on Yahoo! that talks about this game and one last November where he ran for another touchdown. Sweet story.

[@Spicy_guero]

so nice this makes me smile

[@craftingblues]

@Jaydogg4lyfe This video has been on the Today show, ESPN, NBC sports web page, MSN, Yahoo, Prep Rally, Fox Sports, & NBC Sports. It is also posted on Friday Night Feats contest to try and win money for Lake Stevens School. If you would like to vote for it go to Friday Night Feats presented by State Farm search for Ike Special and vote.

[@CollinComicGeek94Campbell]

To Ike and everyone on his team and the oppossing you are good and amazing people. To Ike personally I'd like to thank you for showing people what persons with Down Syndrome can do on the behalf of my family. P.S. My older sister has Down Syndrome.

[@IWplaya23]

people hats off for Ike he has a great and brighter future ahead of him. Good Luck to you Ike Ditzenberger! have a great football career too college teams should be scouting you!

[@Eitankahane]

inspiring. this is a true feel good story

[@mgusha33]

God Bless Him!! And God Bless those players for letting him score!!!!

[@ShortFingeredShreder]

TOUCHDOWNS!!!

[@sourcow56]

Aww. This is so touching.

[@brandeemichaela]

Yay! He will always remember that!! Way to go guys!!