15-year-old with spina bifida joins Michigan Wolverines

ANN ARBOR, Mich. - It’s not every day a 15-year-old joins a college football team, but Larry Prout Jr. was just made an honorary member of the Michigan Wolverines.

A life-long dedication to the team and his fighting spirit made him a natural fit. Larry may be small, but he has more grit and resilience than most football players -- having faced over 90 surgeries.

Larry was born with spina bifida and many other illnesses and disorders.

“When I was born, most of my major organs were on the outside of my body,” Larry explained. “I was not given much of a chance to survive to birth, let alone life.”

He spent a special day with his new teammates and coaches and capped it all off with his own press conference.

Larry pledged, “As I am signing and committing to the University of Michigan Wolverine football team, today I am thankful for this opportunity and will work hard to represent its history, integrity and dedication to excellence. Let’s go Blue!”

Larry will never forget the experience and neither will his teammates. His gratitude and determination is an inspiration to the University of Michigan -- and to us all.