WATFORD, England — There was one thing left for Chester Hughes to do after the lefty from Larkhill (near Stonehenge) completed a Hail Mary to Justin Jefferson.
A Griddy challenge with the receiver as the entire Vikings team circled around.
Such was the scene Saturday as the Vikings concluded their walk-through game simulation a day before topping the Jets 23-17 Sunday at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.
Jefferson surprised Chester with a box of swag, featuring a custom hoodie with Jefferson's likeness and a Winter Warrior Vikings jersey, as well as a pair of Oakley sunglasses.
"He's activated," Jefferson laughed as Chester positioned the sunglasses.
Vikings Head Coach Kevin O'Connell made it a point to have Chester join him for the session and go through the call sheet as the first-team offense worked against scout looks.
As the session neared its conclusion, O'Connell guided Chester down the field as offensive and defensive players took their spots. Chester lofted the ball into the capable hands of Jefferson. Touchdown.
View photos of the Vikings hosting Chester, a young fan from the UK, for the team's walkthrough and a Griddy challenge with WR Justin Jefferson in London through the Make-a-Wish Foundation.
Chester's mother Emma and older brother Oakley (he also received a pair of the same-named sunglasses from Jefferson, by the way) watched from the sideline.
They know how far the 9-year-old has progressed through treatment for cystic fibrosis, a sickness he has battled since birth. Emma said Chester spent more than half of his first year in the hospital.
The treatment progressed but still required five, six or seven weeks in the hospital each year. For the past two years, Chester has required no hospital admissions.
"I'm just really happy for him because he's been in poor health until now," Emma said. "It's nice to see him doing something and have confidence because he's never had confidence before.
"His new medication has been life-changing for him," Emma continued. "Two years ago, he was in a wheelchair and needing oxygen. He wouldn't have been able to walk out there. He would have been out of breath all the time, but this new medication has completely changed, so he's taking part in so many sports."
Chester previously needed a medication port that kept him from participating in contact sports, but it was able to be removed a year ago.
He gravitated toward full-contact rugby, which he currently plays, and blossomed an interest in American football, which is continuing to expand opportunities in the United Kingdom.
The Make-A-Wish Foundation was able to connect Chester and his family with the Vikings for the visit that Chester described as "brilliant."
