The Gophers’ backup kicker has dedicated himself to helping kids in need as a volunteer at Masonic Children’s Hospital in Minneapolis, and it hasn’t gone unnoticed by his teammates and coaches.
Juenemann, 23, had a moment he will never forget when one of his favorite kids at the hospital surprised him in front of his team with the message that he was given a full scholarship for his final season.
“Our goal was to create a moment of memory for Justin and his family forever because that’s what he earned,” Minnesota head coach P.J. Fleck told TODAY.
Kyle Tanner, a teenager at the hospital who has a rare blood marrow disease, spoke in front of the team on Wednesday and singled out Juenemann as his favorite player.
Tanner noted that Juenemann is the player he has seen at the hospital the most.
“It is amazing to see the joy and the smile on their faces,” Juenemann told TODAY.
The scholarship for his final year will help Juenemann continue on that mission. »