Dreams Come True: Honorary Tate Aggie Markus Baxley To Play Football (With Video)

September 16, 2016

Dreams really do come true in high school football. Just ask Tate High School senior Markus Baxley, who has cerebral palsy.

Baxley has spent four years “on” the Tate Aggies team as an honorary member, but he’s never scored a touchdown, made a tackle or even played a single down.  But he embodies that Aggie spirit, and has always provided the support his team needs. Now his team has stepped up to make his dream of playing a reality.

Friday night, October 7, 2016 will be one of the biggest nights of his life. Markus will get to play one play, the play of a lifetime, as the Aggies host the Pace Patriots.

Markus received the news during class Friday at Tate and was presented his official helmet.

“It’s always been my dream to play with people that I have known for a long time,” he said. “And now I get to live my dream for one play. It’s going to be a night that I am going to remember for the rest of my life.”

Markus will also earn his letter in football by taking part in the single play.

Not bad for a young man that doctors said would never walk and never talk.

After a team prayer last Friday night, Markus led his Aggie team across the field and on to a 41-6 homecoming victory, and last Saturday night he attended the homecoming dance with freshman cheerleader Hailey Morphis..

Video of Markus learning that he will play is below (if you do not see the video, it is because your home, work or school firewall is blocking YouTube videos). NorthEscambia.com video and photos by Kristi Barbour and Jennifer Repine.

Comments

17 Responses to “Dreams Come True: Honorary Tate Aggie Markus Baxley To Play Football (With Video)”

  1. jana staples on October 6th, 2016 12:16 pm

    Way to go Markus, Jackie is smileing down on you. So proud of you.

  2. Hayleigh Macks on September 18th, 2016 7:08 pm

    Congratulations Markus!! I didn’t know you that well but me and your sister were good friends a while back and I know that Kandice and everyone else is so proud of you and that amazing achievment. Again, congratulations!!

  3. Freda Whaley on September 17th, 2016 10:27 pm

    I’m so proud of you. I was your bus aide the first two years you were at Tate and Ransom. I always thought you were a great guy and so glad to see this happening for you.

    Miss Freda (Whaley)

  4. Nancy (Gindl) Perry on September 17th, 2016 7:48 pm

    Rick Shackle you leadership and the leadership of your coaching is commendable!! As an Aggie Alumni it makes me my heart grow:)). Having this happen at the game which will be played at Pete Gindl Stadium, I know my daddy would be proud and is smiling is heaven!! To him, it was always about the kids

  5. Janet on September 17th, 2016 9:55 am

    So proud with you Mark! I pray you get to keep living whatever dreams you make for yourself. Never quit dreaming! So proud of my Aggies! So proud to be an Aggie! Good luck Mark!

    Janet Brown
    Class of 1975

  6. Trey on September 17th, 2016 1:46 am

    Awesome!

  7. Melodies4us on September 17th, 2016 12:46 am

    I can feel the love!

  8. Bill on September 16th, 2016 7:42 pm

    GREAT Story CLASS ACT AGGIES!!! Marcus is so well spoken, sincere and focused he will be a very productive member of our community and will return the kindness

  9. Mary snow on September 16th, 2016 7:33 pm

    I’m so proud of my cousin Markus! Can’t wait until October 7!! Also, want to thank everyone who treats Markus as an equal. He’s an amazing young man and I can’t wait to see his face the day of the game! Love you Markus! ❤

  10. Patricia Hawkins on September 16th, 2016 7:09 pm

    Way to go Aggies. I am so proud of you guys!

  11. Willene Bryan on September 16th, 2016 6:02 pm

    This is just awesome

  12. Grandma on September 16th, 2016 4:52 pm

    Nothing but respect! Thanks for making this kids dream a reality! Go Aggies!!!

  13. Sandra on September 16th, 2016 4:46 pm

    Way to go Marcus!!! Will be cheering you on.

  14. Tater Tot 2001 on September 16th, 2016 3:20 pm

    we have a “made up” word we use here at work…”COMMUNEROSITY”….. and this is a fine example of our Aggies/ community showing “communerosity”. CONGRATS MARKUS!!!

  15. Class of 85 on September 16th, 2016 3:03 pm

    AWESOME – Words can not express what this young man is going through – DREAMS DO COME TRUE!!! Way to go AGGIES – you are showing what OUR NATION is all about!
    PROUD TO BE A TATE HIGH AGGIE!!!

  16. Lori Adams on September 16th, 2016 2:31 pm

    That is so sweet! Dreams do come true!:) God Bless you ! Go Aggies!

  17. Janet on September 16th, 2016 2:17 pm

    That was simply beautiful! Nice job guys! ❤️

Written by William Reynolds · Filed Under News, Sports, TOP sports