GREENSBORO, N.C. — This year... WFMY News 2 turns 75. So to celebrate... We're opening the WFMY News 2 vault.
September 3, 2023 -- WFMY News 2 introduced the Triad to Jordan McDowell.
The Burlington Williams senior was playing his first year as the team's defensive end. But not only was he new to the position, he was new to the sport.
"When I was a junior, I did track with Coach Rigsby, and he asked me did I want to be on the football team? And I said yeah football, I can do that and be proud and feel accomplished."
Proud and accomplished... Because football would be an accomplishment for McDowell... who is deaf.
"Our players have embraced him and accepted him and helped him and helped him. There's some places his translators can't go, like the locker room. The boys have done a wonderful job making sure he has all the resources he needs to be successful."
But when you ask his teammates-- they said he'd done more for them--- than they could ever do for him.
"He has guts, I'll give him that. He's got a lot of guts, I could never imagine it. I'm glad he's found a place where he fits in. I hope people that see this learn that, yea he can't hear anything, but he's still doing something he loves."
Jordan also wrestled and ran track at Williams.
We reached out to see what Jordan is doing these days. He's been working and attending Alamance Community College.
"I'm proud of the goals I've set and can't wait to see my dreams come true soon," He said. "Being deaf will never stop me from achieving great success and showing the deaf community that anything is possible. My journey is proof that with determination, resilience, and a positive mindset, you can overcome any challenge and inspire others along the way."