Football

Eagles' Carson Wentz treats 'Dutch Destroyer' family to Monday night victory over Redskins

By Jason Romano Oct 24, 2017
Eagles QB Carson Wentz greets the Custers family prior to their Monday Night game against the Redskins. (Photo Courtesy: Tim McManus/Twitter @Tim_McManus)

Carson Wentz shined on the Monday night stage, throwing for 268 yards and four touchdown passes and rushing for a team-leading 68 yards in lifting the Eagles to a 34-24 divisional win against the Washington Redskins.

Prior to Monday’s game, Wentz met with the family of Lukas Kusters, whom the Eagles QB befriended during the young man’s battle with stomach cancer. The family was invited to the game as special guests of the team. Sporting their Eagles jerseys, the Kusters were brought onto the field during warm-ups where they got to see their favorite quarterback and talk with him for several minutes.

Lukas’ Make-A-Wish was to thank Wentz for a video that the quarterback sent him while he was in the hospital. Known as “The Dutch Destroyer” for his play on the football field, Lukas was treated by Wentz and his teammates, to a guided tour of the Eagles facility where they hung out in the cafeteria, had smoothies and allowed Lukas to get autographs from several members of the team.

There's so many reasons why I love playing this game of football. But one of the most humbling and incredible opportunities that I've been blessed with is the ability to meet people like this. This is Lukas Kusters– also known as "The Dutch Destroyer" on the football field! Lukas is 9 years old and is battling a tumor and cancer and things aren't looking great. It's kids like this who inspire me. This kid has been a fighter for a year and a half and has never given up hope. I can't even fathom going through that at the age of 9. Nor could I fathom being one of his many incredible family members– having to watch their brother/son go through something that heart-wrenching. Lukas' wish was to meet me and hang out with me…. so, yesterday, @jhicks_3 and I had the awesome opportunity of showing Lukas and his family around the facility– including the locker room (which his mom wasn't allowed in– sorry mom!), and we got to eat lunch with all of them. We were able to bring the entire family joy in one of the most painful situations life can throw at you. It's such a humbling experience and I can't thank God enough for giving me this platform. I know sometimes things in life don't always make sense– but I do know that the Lord has a plan– as hard as it can be to see and understand at times. I don't know why this family and this little boy are experiencing this, but they are attacking it with all they have and that is the most honorable thing they can do. I will continue praying for a miracle for the Kuster family and the little "Dutch Destroyer"– and I hope all of you out there will join me in those prayers– cuz they are needed. "And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus." -Philippians 4:7

A post shared by Carson Wentz (@cj_wentz11) on

Lukas Kusters died 13 days after meeting with Wentz on June 12, 2017 . He was just 10 years old. His family chose to bury the young boy in Wentz’s No. 11 jersey.

After the Eagles victory over the Redskins on Monday, Wentz, sporting the “Dutch Destroyer” bracelet, presented the family with a game ball and greeted them with high fives and hugs.

ESPN shared a beautiful piece on Lukas and his relationship with Wentz on Sunday. Please spend 10 minutes and watch this.

At 6-1, the Eagles have the best record in the NFL and have won five straight games. Next up for Philadelphia is a home matchup against the 49ers on Sunday at 1 p.m. ET. 

 

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