Jase Garland, a 12‑year‑old battling bone cancer, signed an honorary contract with the 49ers and participated in the team’s scrimmage as part of the ‘Make‑A‑Wish’ series 🙏 Garland, who’s a big 49ers fan, held his own press conference, led the players onto the field, and scored a rushing touchdown with the first‑team offense Saturday night. When asked about the Mt. Olive jar in front of him at his introductory presser, Garland said it was his NIL deal 😅 A heartwarming experience for Garland.

San Francisco, CA – In an emotional evening at Levi’s Stadium, the San Francisco 49ers brought a dream to life for 12‑year‑old Jase Garland — a diehard fan battling bone cancer. Through the team’s participation in the “Make-A-Wish Series,” Jase signed an honorary contract with the 49ers, joined the team for a scrimmage, and even scored a rushing touchdown with the first-team offense. The sight of the small but determined boy leading NFL athletes onto the field had the entire stadium roaring.

Wearing a custom #8 jersey, Jase walked out to cheers from players and fans alike. His journey to this moment has been anything but easy — months of chemotherapy, countless hospital visits, and long breaks from school have taken a toll. But through it all, his love for the 49ers never wavered. Even with his hair lost to treatment, his eyes shone with excitement as he stepped onto the turf.

Before the scrimmage, the team hosted a special press conference with Jase at the podium. When a reporter asked about the Mt. Olive jar sitting in front of him, Jase cracked a smile: “That’s my first NIL deal,” he said, sending the room into laughter. The olive jar joke quickly became a highlight of the evening, showing the boy’s wit and charm.

During the scrimmage, Jase lined up with the starting offense. When the ball was handed to him, the offensive line opened a lane, and Jase sprinted through for a touchdown. The crowd erupted, players celebrated like it was the Super Bowl, and even some coaches wiped away tears. That one moment — a rushing touchdown in a practice game — became the highlight of Jase’s life.

Afterward, Jase clutched his 49ers cap and beamed with pride. “I always dreamed of playing for this team,” he said, voice trembling. Fans surrounded him, calling him a “true hero” and a “symbol of hope.” Even rival teams sent messages of support, with some inviting Jase to visit their stadiums.

The Make-A-Wish Foundation called it one of their most impactful events, not just because Jase got to live his dream, but because the entire 49ers organization went above and beyond to make it personal and meaningful. Team officials said they wanted Jase to leave knowing that the future, no matter how uncertain, could still be full of joy.

Clips of Jase’s touchdown and his witty olive jar comment went viral on TikTok, Instagram, and Twitter. On Reddit, one fan wrote: “Lots of 12‑year‑olds play scrimmages, but this kid played with the biggest heart I’ve ever seen.”

Jase’s family says the experience gave him a mental boost, with doctors noting that positivity could help his recovery. “I felt like I could fly,” Jase said. “Even if it’s just a scrimmage, it’s my dream, and I lived it fully.”

When asked about the future, Jase said he hopes to inspire other kids battling illness. “If I can give even one kid hope,” he said, “then everything I’ve been through is worth it.” His honorary contract and touchdown may have been symbolic, but they’ve become a rallying point for resilience, belief, and the power of community in the face of life’s hardest battles.