Lehigh University’s football program announced a unique commitment this week, welcoming 10‑year‑old Jeremiah Kennedy into its roster through the nonprofit organization Team IMPACT.
Kennedy, a resident of Blue Bell, Pennsylvania, lives with sickle cell disease and attention‑deficit hyperactivity disorder, conditions that have not deterred his enthusiasm for the sport.
The partnership will see the youngster take part in team activities, training sessions and mentorship moments alongside the Mountain Hawks, forging relationships with student‑athletes who have embraced him as a teammate.
A Family Legacy and Community Support
His father, John Kennedy, a former Lehigh football player, watched proudly as the signing ceremony unfolded, a moment made sweeter by the presence of several current players at Jeremiah’s recent 10th birthday celebration.
The ceremony, held at Lehigh’s Brown and White Spring Game, highlighted the broader mission of Team IMPACT, which pairs children facing serious illnesses with college athletic programs to promote socialization, empowerment and resilience.
Since its inception, the initiative has matched more than 4,500 youngsters with over 850 institutions of higher learning, offering them a chance to experience the camaraderie of collegiate sport while confronting health challenges.
Beyond the field, Jeremiah’s interests in video games, dragon lore and outdoor adventures illustrate a well‑rounded childhood, while his family’s deep ties to Lehigh athletics underscore the generational connection that made this signing especially meaningful.