Dean Campell, age 10, from Hollywood, CA, loved football. His all-time favorite team was the Eagles and he loved to watch the football players in action.
Best of all, the Eagles had made it to the championship, and they were going to play against the Dolphins. The game was going to start in a few minutes! Dean was waiting for Tomas, Michael and Kevin to join him in watching the game.

The crowd in the stadium sang the National Anthem, then gave a mighty cheer just as the game was about to start. But Dean was getting sleepy.
"I've just got to stay awake for the championship game." thought Dean as he watched the coin toss. But Dean was really tired, and he slowly fell into a deep sleep.

Then the strangest thing happened. As if by magic, Dean suddenly found himself at the football stadium! The Championship was being played right in front of his eyes!
He heard the loudspeaker. "Attention ladies and gentlemen," the announcer called out. "The Eagles just asked if Dean Campell will join them for this game!"

Dean couldn't believe his luck! The quarterback came up to him and said, "Dean, we need you on the team. If you'll help us out for the rest of the game, we just might be able to win the Championship!"
"I'll do the best I can," Dean said.
The players quickly got Dean into a uniform. Maybe it was a little big, but Dean didn't care. He was actually in a huddle with the Eagles.

Dean joined the Eagles on the line of scrimmage. As he was facing the Dolphins, he remembered the quarterback saying to him "I want you to go long and to the right, and then I'm going to pass the ball to you."
"I sure wish Tomas, Michael and Kevin could see me now," thought Dean to himself excitedly.

Dean ran as hard as he could. The ball seemed to sail through the air forever. Dean caught it and ran as fast as he could. The Dolphins tried to tackle him, but he was too fast.
The crowd went wild as Dean scored a touchdown.

Later in the game, the score became tied. The quarterback told Dean that the coach wanted to see him.
"Dean, we all know you can catch and run," the coach said. "But if you can kick a field goal, we can win the game."
"I'll try," Dean said with a big smile.

The players ran back out the field. The crowd grew silent.
The ball was snapped. Dean kicked that ball with all his strength. It flew through the air and sailed right over the goal post! Dean had scored the winning points! The Eagles had won the game!
It was like a dream! The other players hoisted Dean above their shoulders and marched him around the football field. Dean heard the loudspeaker announce, "Dean Campell has been chosen the Most Valuable Player today."
The crowd started cheering, " Dean, Dean, Dean..."

"Dean, Dean, Dean. Wake up!" Tomas, Michael and Kevin called. You must have fallen asleep. The game has already started."
"But I was just about to get my trophy for the Most Valuable Player award," Dean murmured as he rubbed the sleep out of his eyes.
"You'll always be the most valuable player around here," Tomas, Michael and Kevin replied. "Now let's make some popcorn and watch the game!"

Dean Campell

Our Little Football Star

Love, Uncle Bob and Aunt Laura