RED BANK, N.J. (1010 WINS) — A high school quarterback recorded 8 touchdowns in a game one day after his mother died, garnering national attention from the likes of Tom Brady.
Alex Brown, the QB for the Red Bank Catholic Caseys, threw for six touchdowns and ran for two more Friday night following the passing of his mother, Michelle, who died after a lengthy battle with cancer.
“It honestly felt like the whole night was scripted before I even got there,” Brown told CBS New York. “You know, I threw that first touchdown pass, and I just knew she was going to be with me the whole night. And it was a really special feeling.”
The senior led his team with a heavy heart to a 58-34 victory against Morris Catholic in the state playoffs.
“Yesterday I lost my amazing mother. Today I scored 8 touchdowns, thank you for watching over me mama,” Brown tweeted.
Michelle had been battling breast cancer for 14 years, Brown tweeted the day before. His mother would attend Brown’s game and lead the team in chants before games.
“Today I lost my best friend, my teacher, and my mother,” Brown wrote. “My mom had been battling breast cancer that had spread throughout her body for 14 years, she was never supposed to make it this long, but through love and her insane strength she fought. I love you mama, Rest In Peace.”
Brown’s remarkable performance has been highlighted by ESPN and drew respect from one of the sport’s greatest athletes.
“Proud of you,” Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Tom Brady wrote to Brown in an Instagram comment.
Brown’s team is pursuing a state title in his mother’s honor. Next year he’ll go on to play for Bucknell University.
“In this whole thing. It just shows that she is with me,” Brown said. “And I’m going to make sure the world knows who Michelle Brown is. And I’ll carry that for the rest of my life.”