(KMOX) - The tragic shooting death of a highly-talented local football star got the attention of St. Louis-native and current NFL running back Ezekiel Elliott, who has offered to pay for the 14-year-old's funeral. The Dallas Cowboys All-Pro player contacted the family of Jaylon McKenzie, who on Saturday night was shot and killed while attending a party.
Our partner station in Dallas, 105.3 The Fan says Elliot reached out behind the scenes, without looking for publicity or fanfare.
"Zeke is inspirational with not only what he does on the field, but what he does in the locker room,'' Cowboys owner Jerry Jones said. "He's a 'bright soul."
Sports Illustrated called 14-year-old Jaylon McKenzie of Belleville, "one of the six teens who will rule the future in sports." Instead, his future was cut down by gunfire Saturday night.
Illinois State Police say McKenzie was killed and a 15-year-old girl was injured in the gunfire.
McKenzie drew national attention when he caught five passes for 161 yards and 2 touchdowns at the NFL's 8th Grade All-American Game in Canton, Ohio, in August. He posted on social media that he had received football scholarship from the University of Missouri and University of Illinois. He told Sports Illustrated his dream was to play in the NFL and be a star in Los Angeles for the Chargers or Rams.
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