Mardela High School student receives gift from NFL team

MARDELA SPRINGS, Md. – “It just blew my mind.”

Mardela High School student CJ Byrd could not believe his eyes after he received a very special surprise.

A freshman at Mardela, CJ spent quite some time out of school and in the hospital due to an illness.

He tells 47 ABC he’s been suffering from Inflammatory Bowel Disease or IBD.

“We were really concerned about CJ because we knew he’d been out for quite a while.”

Mardela’s Dean of Students Sharon Cooper caught wind of CJ’s absences and wanted to help in anyway she could.

She teamed up with In School Suspension coordinator Ted Ramey to brighten his day with a personalized care package from his favorite team.

CJ said, “Like how?! How is this being sent to me?”

The Chicago Bears sent CJ a package filled with signed hats, a banner, calendar and even a personalized letter from the team.

He said, “One of the hats was signed by our quarterback Mitchell Trubisky and it just like blew my mind.”

Mrs. Cooper said, “He was so genuinely touched and appreciative.”

When the delivery came in on Thursday and CJ was called into Mrs. Cooper’s office, he at first thought it was a joke.

Soon, he realized his school and his number one team wanted to wish him a happy and healthy recovery.

Cooper said, “The look on his face when he opened that box and started pulling things out.”

CJ said, “I was wondering if this was even real.”

Mardela tells us they’re happy to be able to welcome CJ back to school and remind him that his school family has his back.

Cooper said, “We were just thrilled with his reaction and just happy to be a part of that.”

Ted Ramey said, “It was a great opportunity to show the support we have here at Mardela for our kids.”