Super Sammy returns after two years of heart surgery

RIVERSIDE, Ohio (WDTN) — A little boy known as “Super Sammy” is playing the game he loves.

Two years ago, Sammy Jones had a heart transplant. Now he's dodging defenders on the football field.

He was born with a rare heart condition that required five open-heart surgeries and he received a heart transplant when he was just four years old.

His father, Garland Jones, said football remained an important part of Sammy's life during his time in hospital, and his mother, Courtney Sink, said the sport still holds the same importance today.

“He went from playing football in his hospital room to now playing on the field.”

Sammy said although the tackling isn't the same, it's flag football so it's no different than playing the real thing.

“Score a touchdown, make a jumper, break an ankle,” Sammy said.

Sammy's father is happy to see his son on the field.

“This is something we've been hoping for for so many days and nights and months in the hospital, so it's amazing to see it all come to fruition,” Jones said.

Away from playing, Sammy undergoes regular medical checkups and takes daily medication, is due to graduate from kindergarten soon and hopes to eventually play football.