CNN
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This was a Monday Night Football game to remember for an NFL fan thanks to Lamar Jackson
The Baltimore Ravens quarterback surprised Landon Berry, a young fan who is suffering from heart disease, before Jackson played a key role in Baltimore’s 27-13 victory over the New Orleans Saints.
Landon, who is a self-proclaimed Jackson superfan, burst into tears as the 2019 NFL MVP walked through the door, immediately running up to him and hugging him.
In a Facebook post from Landon’s father, Jason, Jackson hung out with the youngster as the couple threw a ball together.
The NFL fan wore a Ravens jersey with Jackson’s name on the back, which the quarterback duly signed.
Jason Berry explained that the process of fulfilling “Landon’s dream” of meeting Jackson took a year.
“It all started over a year ago when Landon told dad you knew my favorite team was the Baltimore Ravens,” Jason wrote on Facebook.
“And I said, oh really why is that? He said, “because Lamar Jackson is a beast.”
“All he talked about was how much he would like to meet him. So I started thinking how can I make that happen?
Jason said a friend helped facilitate the reunion, describing how his “heart melted” when he realized he was “able to make my son’s dream come true”.
“Well today was the day and I will never forget it. What an amazing experience for Landon (who we know he will NEVER forget),” continued Jason, who admitted he was a fan of the Saints, but also now a “Lamar Jackson Baltimore Ravens fan and that will never change.
In a separate post, Landon was seen on the field at Caesars Superdome with Jackson as he warmed up before Monday’s game, meeting some of Baltimore’s fellow players and cheering on the Ravens from the stands.
Jackson himself responded to the video on Twitter, saying: “My boy Landon.”
This season is key for Jackson, as the quarterback plays for the Ravens amid ongoing contract drama with the NFL team.
During the offseason, Jackson was offered an extension worth $250 million, including $133 million guaranteed upon signing, by the team.
However, following the fully guaranteed contracts given to quarterback counterparts Deshaun Watson and Kirk Cousins, Jackson decided to gamble on himself by turning down the contract offer and playing on an expiring deal.
The move appears to be paying off for the 25-year-old – he’s back to his best and looks in line to sign a huge contract this offseason, either with Baltimore or another team.
