TOLEDO, Ohio — When the Toledo Rockets kick off the Barstool Sports Arizona Bowl on Saturday, one special young fan will be in the stands cheering them on. His name is Charley Myers, a five-year-old from Monroe, Michigan.
"He's doing really well," his father, Chad, said. "He's a happy, joyful, sports-loving kid."
Charley's fascination for football has been with him his whole life. Whether playing flag football or watching the game on TV, the young fan simply enjoys the sport.
But last year, that love had to be put on pause. In August of 2022, Charley went in for a normal checkup at the doctor's office and left with a diagnosis of acute lymphoblastic leukemia.
"To say you're prepared for anything like that would be an understatement," Chad Myers said. "It was a shock and just throws your world upside down."
The family spent quite a bit of time in Toledo for Charley's treatment. On top of chemotherapy, he also had to miss school and activities while his health improved.
Facing a difficult reality, non-profit organization Team Impact decided to step in. With a focus on providing support for children facing serious illness, they found a match with the Toledo football program.
In September, Charley signed a letter of intent to join the team which allowed him to experience a new dose of medicine in the form of football friendship when traveling across the state border.
"It's something special," Tim Bennet, the Rockets' director of player development, said. "Every time they see him on the sideline or at practice, he gets a fist bump and greeting. Truly uplifts everyone's spirits."
Bennett has led the charge for Charley's interaction with the team throughout the season. Activities have included practices, games and playing catch with players.
Four of them have served as Charley's personal teammates. Braden Awls, Sam Smith Jr., Connor Walendzak and Grant Zimmerly are all freshmen and a part of the University of Toledo's leadership council.
"It's cool, because even on Thursday Connor [Walendzak] texted me and asked if we could carve out an hour with Charley," Bennett said. "Every time they're around him it makes them feel better and they love the relationship they have with them."
A family who possessed zero ties to the Rockets program before the fall is now one of the team's biggest supporters.
"We've been huge fans ever since," Myers said. "We follow the team and watch every single game on TV that we haven't been able to go to."
Their new favorite college football team has given them plenty to cheer for, with Toledo having won 11 games this season. A chance to make it twelve will take place in Tucson, Ariz., on Saturday and the Myers family will be in attendance. The family told WTOL 11 that they are excited and eager for another chance to watch the Rockets in person, especially because it's the family's first time flying.
The program doesn't mind the extra support, either, given the spark Charley has provided for the players.
"With everything he went through, it didn't seem to bother him," Bennett said. "My initial reaction was he's a pretty dope kid."
The joyful bond created between boy and team is difficult to measure. One thing that is for certain though is that this experience is making a difference for Charley, who continues his battle with cancer, a fight he doesn't endure alone for UT's inspiring presence continues to uplift.
"We've been at the hospital and have talked about getting through this, knowing that the Toledo guys are counting on us," Myers said. "So, let's just get this done so we can go to a game and see all the guys. It's been a huge motivator for him."
As for Charley's health, he still receives chemo but currently is in what's called the maintenance stage of treatment, which means he only visits the doctor once a month. Better than that, Charley is expected to finish treatment altogether next December.