VIDEO:  HOWELL BROWN SIGNS WITH NCCU FOOTBALL:  http://youtu.be/xw48A03r9uk

PHOTOS:  https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.10152641873527792.1073741882.91013667791&type=1

RAW VIDEO OF PRESS CONFERENCE (WRAL): http://www.wralsportsfan.com/nc_central/video/13881156/

When Howell Brown III, a 10-year-old boy who is recovering from a rare brain tumor, left his Durham, N.C., home with his mom Sue Brown on Sunday afternoon, he thought he was going to the Alfonzo Elder Student Union on the campus of North Carolina Central University to play games and hang out with members of the NCCU football team.

Well, before the fun and games, Howell was greeted by reporters and TV cameras for a press conference in his honor. NCCU football head coach Jerry Mack called a surprise press conference to have Howell sign a mock scholarship certificate to make him an official member of the team.  

After being introduced by Mack, Howell took center stage. He said he wants to play quarterback and is excited about having a bunch of new friends in the Eagles football team. Howell said he wants to eventually become a doctor so he can help other children who are suffering like he was. His message to those kids with similar health issues, "Keep fighting!"

Following his remarks to the media and a few photos, Howell did get to play games with his new teammates. He challenged his fellow Eagles to foosball, ping pong, bowling and video games.

NCCU fans can look for Howell on the sidelines during home football games this season, providing support and inspiration for the Eagles.
 

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Howell was introduced to NCCU football head coach Jerry Mack by Boston-based nonprofit organization Team IMPACT, whose mission is to improve the quality of life for children facing life-threatening and chronic illnesses through the power of team. Team IMPACT children are drafted on to local college athletic teams and, in effect, become official members of the team from Draft Day through to graduation, attending practices, games and social events while forming unparalleled relationships with the student-athletes and coaching staffs.
 
More About Howell…
In November of 2012, Howell was diagnosed with Stage IV Pineoblastoma, a rare type of brain tumor. In December 2012, he had surgery to remove the tumor and began radiation and chemotherapy. The doctors also infused Howell with stem cells that were harvested from his brain prior to treatment to aid in his recovery. He finished treatment in September of 2013 and has since had two MRIs that both have shown no signs of a tumor. He will continue these MRIs every three months for the next two years. Howell's mobility was impacted by his treatment and surgery. Through ongoing physical therapy, he is out of a wheelchair and is currently using a cane to assist him in walking, with hopes of one day regaining full mobility.
 
About Team IMPACT…
Team IMPACT is a 501(c)3 nonprofit whose mission is to improve the quality of life for children facing life-threatening and chronic illnesses through the power of team.  Team IMPACT children are drafted on to local college athletic teams and, in effect, become official members of the team from Draft Day through to Graduation. At Team IMPACT, they envision a future where the lives of children facing the hardships associated with adverse issues and events will have access to expanded team-based support networks in order to significantly enhance their quality of life and to fill their lives with more love and laughter. Team IMPACT also strives to provide team-based organizations everywhere an easy and efficient way to have a powerful impact on the lives of children in their community. Established in 2011, Team IMPACT has already matched more than 400 children with collegiate teams, improving the quality of life of hundreds of courageous children and touching the lives of more than 10,000 student-athletes. For more information,visit www.goteamimpact.org.
 

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More Media Coverage...

The Herald-Sun:  "NCCU drafts 10-year-old Howell Brown" http://www.heraldsun.com/news/showcase/x1071194838/NCCU-drafts-10-year-old-Howell-Brown

News & Observer:  "NCCU Eagles welcome a surprising new 10-year-old football player" http://www.newsobserver.com/2014/08/10/4063647/nccu-eagles-welcome-a-surprising.html

WNCN (Video): http://www.wncn.com/story/26244198/nccu-football-signs-10-year-old-recovering-from-brain-tumor