MUSKEGON, Mich. - Stephen Betts was pronounced dead after a massive heart attack during a semiprofessional football game last Saturday: revived by doctors and given chance at life, he's now passing his legacy on to his younger brother.
Muskegon Mustang's Head Coach, Brad Haney, said Bett's heart attack was triggered by two clots in his main artery.
"They (doctors), said they paddled him 5 times to get him back," said Haney.
Now, team members and his 20-year-old brother, Johndrieus Betts-Render, played Saturday night's game in his honor against the Traverse City Wolves.
According to Haney, doctors are calling Betts a 'walking, talking miracle.' Betts was released from the ICU on Friday, making his special appearance all the more meaningful at the coin toss against the wolves.
"It means so much to me," said Betts. "I've been crying ever since I woke up."
Unfortunately, Betts will never be able to play football again. So he's handing over his Jersey to his younger brother, Betts-Render.
"I'm honored to wear his jersey number, he's a great player," said Betts-Render.
Given a chance to shine under the lights at his first semiprofessional football game, Betts-Render scored the first six points of the game.
"We've got a lot of veteran running backs out there that are going to take him under his wing, and I think he'll do just fine with us," said Haney.
Mustangs lead 28-0 at the half, and they're hoping to take their 4-0 record all the way to Nationals by the end of the season.
Stay tuned for an update on Saturday's final score.
