At just 16 years old, Jack Hirsh is facing the fight of his life having been diagnosed with bone cancer.
14 rounds of chemotherapy.
31 rounds of radiation.
75 nights in the hospital – including his 16th birthday.
Nine months and counting.
But he's worn a Chargers hat through it all.
A lifelong fan, Hirsh got the surprise of a lifetime on Thursday when his parents took him to Hoag Performance Center to sign a one-day contract with the team.
"It was unbelievable," Hirsh said in the middle of the field. "I can't explain it and how amazing it was."
The newest Charger's day was full of more surprises than just signing a contract. He got his own locker and watched practice right on the field.
But the crowning moment came when practice ended, as he admitted getting to break the team down was his favorite part.
After Head Coach Anthony Lynn called Jack over and told him to break it down, Hirsh's "Chargers on three!" chant was received. Joey Bosa then presented him with his own custom jersey with "FEARLESS" embroidered on the back with the number 36, Hirsh's favorite number.
"To see his face when we brought him in, it was pretty awesome," Bosa said. "For me personally, it's great to put things in perspective and spend a little bit of your time to make the kid's day. It means a lot."
Knowing what Hirsh is going through hit home for Bosa, as the defensive end is a strong supporter of funding for research into pediatric cancer having a friend who has beaten cancer multiple times. As he said, Hirsh's visit put things into perspective, and made him remember that life should never be taken for granted.
"Little problems that we deal with every day are so miniscule compared to what these kids are going through. If they can have a smile on their face while dealing with their problems then I can deal with what I have going on."
