WE BELIEVE in #23 - The Journey of Johnny Heubel

As alumni players and parents, friends and fans, current players and parents, and supporters of the Journey of Johnny Heubel, we believe that number 23 should be retired from McDowell Football FOREVER, in honor of Johnny by the Millcreek Township School District.  If by some miracle and the grace of God, should Johnny ever walk again, be able function independently, is the ONLY time #23 is put back in rotation.

We further petition the Millcreek Township School District, to have the #23 Jersey displayed on the press box at Gus Anderson Field opposite side to the #42 which is the ONLY number EVER retired, honoring Jeff Davis.

When a sports team retires a number, it stops using the shirt number worn by a particular player when they stop playing, as a way of honoring them, it is the “utmost respect” by a school and/or organization.  During the 2021 season, the number 23 was NOT placed in rotation however the 2022 season the number has been placed back in rotation.  It was complete shock for many people to see that number on the field. When approached and asked about retiring the number, the answer was “We cannot, We won’t”.   After research, we have found that it is the decision of the School District not PIAA to retire a number and several schools across Pennsylvania have done it. 

Johnny Heubel deserves the utmost respect his school district can give him and retire #23.  Johnny wore #23 during his entire Varsity Football career at McDowell High School.  September 25, 2020 was the first time in McDowell Football History, that one of their own players suffered a traumatic brain injury and almost died on Gus Anderson Football Field.  Johnny’s family lost the Johnny they knew that night, Johnny’s teammates, friends, and the entire Millcreek Community lost the Johnny they knew that night.  He continues to undergo physical therapy and relearn life, but Johnny's life is FOREVER changed.  

BACKGROUND

On September 25, 2020, Johnny Heubel, #23 and a Senior at McDowell High School (Erie, PA) collapsed on the sideline at McDowell’s Gus Anderson Field.  

The first play of the 3rd quarter against the Cathedral Prep Ramblers, Johnny played his last down for McDowell Football.  

After the play, he ran off the field to the sideline and then collapsed.  The game continued for 7 more plays, no one stopping the game while Trainers and Emergency Personnel worked on Johnny.  With 8:11 left in the 3rd quarter, the game was finally paused. Johnny was taken by ambulance to UPMC Hospital in Erie PA, then life flighted to UPMC in Pittsburgh due to the severity of his head injury. Within minutes of arriving at Pittsburgh, Johnny was taken into surgery, every second counted. The fear became reality, Johnny suffered a Traumatic Brain Injury on his last play for McDowell Football.

Within the first 24 hours, he underwent two surgeries and the “Journey of Johnny Heubel - We Believe in 23” began.  Prayers rang out across Erie County and beyond when the news broke.  The entire community rallied together, prayed together, and held fundraisers to help Johnny’s family.  T-Shirts were designed and sold with #23 on the back, other teams were wearing the #23 on their helmets, shoes, arms, and the Millcreek Township Supervisors even declared 10-23-2020 Johnny Heubel Day!  

The number 23 has been a symbol of Johnny Heubel since September 25, 2020.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:

Please reference The Journey of Johnny Heubel - We Believe in 23 Facebook page for background and updated information about Johnny Heubel.   The Journey of Johnny Heubel - WE Believe IN #23