KNOXVILLE, Tenn. — Eight years ago, Zaevion Dobson died while shielding his friends from a random drive-by shooting in his neighborhood.
A sophomore at Fulton High School whose love for football was only surpassed by the love that he had for those closest to him, his family and his friends.
"I know that Zaevion didn't think for a split second," Zenobia Dobson, Zaevion’s mom, said. "He knew his friends were in danger and he hopped on top of them and saved their lives. And I'm proud of him."
The city of Knoxville would go on to dedicate a park to Zaevion. It sits across the street from the porch where he was shot. And it's where his mother would often visit.
"I go to the park on a regular... to go and get a peace of mind that passes all understanding," Zenobia said.
Zaevion's bravery and courage didn't go unnoticed. He now has a memorial fund that helps underprivileged students get scholarships to pursue higher education.
ESPN awarded him the prestigious Arthur Ashe Courage Award. A courage that former President Obama described as "an act of heroism a lot bigger than anything we should ever expect from a 15-year-old."
Zaevion's mom said football is where he got a lot of his sense of brotherhood and bravery. She still wears his number 24.
"Zaevion will always be my hero," she said. "From heart to heaven, he will forever be my angel and my hero."