March 19, 2025 – In a heart-wrenching yet inspiring story that has captured the nation’s attention, a terminally ill boy’s final wish to meet San Francisco 49ers quarterback Brock Purdy came true in a way that left his family overwhelmed with emotion. Nine-year-old Ethan Carter, battling an aggressive form of leukemia, had one simple dream: to meet the NFL star he idolized. What unfolded during their encounter was an extraordinary act of kindness from Purdy that brought tears to Ethan’s family and reminded the world of the power of compassion.

A Child’s Fight and a Singular Dream

Ethan’s journey began two years ago when he was diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukemia. Despite countless rounds of chemotherapy and hospital stays, the bright-eyed boy from Sacramento, California, remained a beacon of hope for his family. His love for football—and especially for Brock Purdy, the 49ers’ breakout quarterback—kept his spirits high even as his condition worsened. “He’d watch every game, cheering Brock on like he was part of the team,” his mother, Sarah Carter, said. “He’d say, ‘Mom, Brock never gives up, so I won’t either.’”

As Ethan’s health declined in early 2025, his family reached out to the Make-A-Wish Foundation with his final request: a chance to meet his hero. Word of Ethan’s wish spread quickly, reaching Purdy through social media posts from 49ers fans. What happened next was beyond anything the Carters could have imagined.

Purdy’s Unforgettable Response

On March 15, just days after Ethan’s doctors delivered the devastating news that his time was running short, Brock Purdy arrived unannounced at the Carter family’s home. The 25-year-old quarterback, fresh off a Pro Bowl season, walked through the door with a football in hand and a smile that lit up the room. “Hey, Ethan, I heard you’re my biggest fan,” Purdy said, kneeling beside the boy’s bedside. “Well, I’m your biggest fan now.”

For the next two hours, Purdy didn’t just meet Ethan—he bonded with him. He signed a 49ers jersey with a personal message: “To Ethan, my toughest teammate—keep fighting, #13.” Then, in a gesture that left Ethan’s parents speechless, Purdy pulled out a pair of cleats he’d worn during the 2024 NFC Championship game. “These carried me through some big moments,” he told Ethan. “Now they’re yours, because you’re stronger than I’ll ever be.”

Ethan, frail but beaming, clutched the cleats to his chest. “You’re my hero, Brock,” he whispered, his voice barely audible. Purdy’s eyes welled up as he replied, “No, buddy, you’re mine.” The room fell silent, save for the sound of Sarah and her husband, Mark, quietly sobbing in gratitude.

A Moment That Transcended Football

But Purdy wasn’t done. Before leaving, he recorded a video on his phone, speaking directly to the camera. “This is Ethan Carter, the bravest kid I’ve ever met,” he said. “He’s fighting harder than anyone I know, and I want the world to cheer him on.” The video, posted to Purdy’s X account later that night, has since garnered over 10 million views, with fans and celebrities alike flooding the comments with messages of support for Ethan.

The quarterback also pledged to dedicate his next game—San Francisco’s season opener against the Chicago Bears on March 22—to Ethan, promising to wear a wristband with his name on it. “Every yard I gain, every pass I throw, it’s for him,” Purdy told reporters after the visit. “He’s the real MVP.”

A Family Forever Changed

For the Carters, Purdy’s visit was a bittersweet gift. Ethan passed away peacefully on March 17, just two days after meeting his idol, with the signed jersey draped over him and the cleats by his side. “He was smiling until the end,” Sarah said through tears. “Brock gave him joy we thought was lost. We’ll never forget that.”

Mark echoed his wife’s sentiments, calling Purdy’s actions “unbelievable.” “He didn’t have to do any of this, but he did. He made Ethan feel like he mattered, like he was seen. That’s a gift beyond words.”

A Legacy of Love

Ethan’s story has resonated far beyond Sacramento. Donations have poured into a GoFundMe set up by the family to cover medical expenses, with many citing Purdy’s video as their inspiration. The 49ers organization announced plans to honor Ethan with a moment of silence at their home opener, while teammates like Deebo Samuel and George Kittle have vowed to join Purdy in wearing wristbands bearing Ethan’s name.

As the NFL season looms, Brock Purdy’s response to a dying boy’s wish has transcended football, reminding us all of the impact a single act of kindness can have. For Ethan’s family, left in tears of both sorrow and gratitude, it’s a memory they’ll cherish forever—a testament to a hero on and off the field.