Today, the emotional story of Lukas Kusters, an 8-year-old youth football standout and diehard Eagles fan from Wilmington, Delaware and the NFL player who is honoring his memory.
Lukas’ size and talent on the field earned him the nickname “the Dutch Destroyer.”
Lukas’ mother, Rebecca Burmeff, told ESPN. “He was born just like a brick house” Not an ounce of fat on him. I don’t even know where these muscles came from on this kid. But, he would get out there (with his older brothers and play).”
Lukas loved playing football, but when he wasn’t on the field he enjoyed watching the Eagles with his family. His favorite player was Eagles quarterback Carson Wentz.
In 2015 Lukas began to complain of abdominal pain, and doctors soon discovered a tumor in the lining of his stomach.
A radiation technician at the hospital shared Lukas’ story with the Philadelphia Eagles. Soon after, a video message arrived from Carson Wentz. A little later he visited Lukas in the hospital.
During his visit, Lukas gave Wentz a gray and green rubber bracelet bearing his nickname — “Dutch Destroyer.”
Two weeks after the meeting, and four days after his 10th birthday, Lukas Kusters passed away. His family says he was buried wearing a Carson Wentz jersey.
As for Wentz….he says he never takes Lukas’s rubber bracelet off….even during games.
Eagles fans noticed the bracelet and wanted one too. The Kusters say they raised $100,000 in the 48 hours after Lukas’ story first aired on ESPN.
All the money raised will go to charity and the fight against childhood cancer.