Tufts Football Team ‘Drafts’ 8-Year-Old Boy

It might be a Division III school, and Riley Roman might be a little young for college football, but on Wednesday afternoon the Tufts football program held a “draft day” for the eight-year-old South Hadley boy, who is suffering from a brain tumor. Patriots linebacker Rob Ninkovich, who met Roman at Children’s Hospital in Boston, attended the event, which was styled after an NFL Combine with the signing of a letter of intent and a press conference.

Riley with Tufts Head Football Coach Jay Civetti, Ninkovich, and Riley’s mother. The football team gifted their youngest member with several pieces of Jumbo gear, including a jersey with number 64 on it, which Riley wanted because of his love of Nintendo 64.

Riley, who had his head painted to look like he was wearing a football helmet, had a chance to experience coming onto the field surrounded by fans.

More information about Riley and his special day is available on the Tufts football website.

– InsideMedford.com