GLENDALE — Everett Watson Jr., the Chandler teen who gained community support after breaking his prosthetic foot during a football game last fall, recent was given a private tour of State Farm Stadium.

During the two-hour visit, according to a news release, Watson explored locker rooms, press areas and the field where his favorite NFL team plays, according to a news release.

The Arizona Cardinals presented him with a Kyler Murray-signed football and three team merchandise shirts to commemorate the day.

FirstBank gifted Everett Jr. with several accessories, including new cleats, gloves, a Murray jersey, wrestling shoes, workout shirts and gift cards.

“This experience has left me in shock from all the support I’ve been given,” Watson Jr stated in the release. “I’m trying not to give up, and this incredible support has become my motivation to keep going.”

Watson’s parents are customers at FirstBank, which arranged the experience after learning about his passion for football and the Cardinals. The community stepped up as well, helping the teen quickly reaching his GoFundMe goal of $10,000 to help cover his medical and related expenses.

Watson Jr. lost his left foot in a February 2021 shooting when he and three of his brothers were playing basketball at a Chandler park. Despite this challenge, he played defensive line for the junior varsity football at Perry High School and plans to try out for wrestling and track teams next school year.

The stadium tour was part of FirstBank’s “Acts of Goodness” program, which allows employees to nominate customers experiencing hardships to receive gifts or tokens of appreciation.

Since launching the program in 2021, FirstBank has surprised over 30 unsuspecting customers and businesses, creating life-changing moments for them, according to the news release.

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