PRP High School football player with cerebral palsy scores first touchdown on senior night

LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) -- While it may have the last game of the regular season, one football player for Pleasure Ridge Park High School has a first.

Jesse Willen has been part of the team since his sophomore year, but has never had the chance to play. He was born with cerebral palsy. 

He's spent the last few years on the sideline helping coach and cheering on the team. Until Friday night.

With pads on and a borrowed helmet, Willen made his way down the field to score the first touchdown in the first play of the game.

"I was hootin' and hollerin' up here like 'roll, Jesse, roll,'" said his grandmother.

"I've thought about this day since the day I joined the team," Willen said.

The single moment will stand out as a top highlight for him

"I was running on adrenaline the entire day," he said.

But Willen knows all the memories he's made on the team can't compare.

"I wouldn't say they're buddies anymore, like I said, we're like family," he said. 

For his family in the stands, it was a moment that left them speechless.

"He hasn't it had it easy, he's had to fight every inch to get where he's at today. That was just, it was great," said his grandma.

Willen will attend U of L in the fall. While playing football isn't in the cards for this future Card, he's got another idea up his sleeve, and wants head football coach Jeff Brohm to keep his phone handy.

"Jeff Brohm, I got some studs for you to see man, just call me on the first day of school, and I'll come to your office," Willen said.

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