Aidan Hutchinson, the No. 2 overall pick in the 2022 Draft, produced a dominant performance Sunday, inspired by a hero of his own.
Hudson Gazsi, a five-year-old leukemia patient, was a source of fuel for Hutchinson, who paid tribute to the youngster postgame.
‘This game is dedicated to Hudson, who is a kid who just got diagnosed with leukemia,’ Hutchinson said following the Lions’ 36-27 win, via ESPN.
‘He’s a big Lions fan, he’s from my area. I sent him a video before the game. He was cheering me on.
‘I’m just happy to have good games to spread causes to kids like that. Just raise a lot of awareness for things like that.’
Hudson Gazsi has received support from Aidan Hutchinson during his battle with leukemia
Hutchinson dedicated his stellar performance on Sunday to the sick five-year-old
In the hours before Hutchinson’s record-setting performance, he sent a video to fellow Michigander, Gazsi, urging him to stay strong.
‘Just keep pushing through, man. Our moms have been talking a little bit, and I know I’m going to meet you here petty soon.
‘But in the meantime, just keep pushing through and keep hanging in there.
Five-year-old Hudson is a huge NFL fan – he is pictured running in a Seattle Seahawks jersey
All of the rookie’s three sacks came during a dominant first half for the renewed Detroit Lions
‘I know you’re kind of going through it right now, but hopefully you find a little motivation in watching our game on Sunday and keep rooting for me and put on the little eye black in support of me.
‘And I’m gonna have you on my wrist on my game tape in a couple hours so it’s gonna be a really good time and I can’t wait to meet you, man. Go Lions.’
Five-year-old Hudson was diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukemia on September 7, and an incredible $85,000 has already been raised for his cause by a GoFundMe page.
Hudson was diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukemia on September 7 of this year
At the time of writing, a huge $85,000 has already been raised for the young boy
On the site, the ‘redheaded spitfire’ – as he is called by his aunt – is pictured in hospital with a Detroit Lions pillow, with his story explained in detail.
It is revealed that the youngster’s parents are both small business owners in Michigan, and the page has been set up to help them fund their son’s treatment, while they also look after his two brothers – William, 7, and Brayden, 15 – and keep their respective businesses afloat.
Meanwhile, on the field Hutchinson starred in just his second game for Detroit, breaking the franchise’s rookie record for single-season sacks.
The Michigan native brought his now-customary Billie Jean kick celebration out after a sack
Hutchinson, the No. 2 overall pick by the Detroit Lions in the 2022 NFL Draft, is out of Michigan
The Lions recorded their first win of the season after a narrow opening-Sunday loss to Philadelphia at Ford Field.
Hutchinson and his Detroit teammates will look to extend their win streak to two games when they play at Minnesota on Sunday.
Through two games, the rookie has three sacks, three quarterback hits, 5 solo tackles and two tackles-for-loss.
Donations can be made to Hudson’s fight against leukemia via the Hudson Ford Tough! GoFundMe page.