Moving Tribute To Ryan Davidson...

Some of you may know the story of Ryan Davidson, but for those of you who don't, I'll give you the Cliffs Notes version.

Ryan was a vivacious young man from Sun Prairie, Wisconsin who fell in love with USC Football. In the land of beer, brats and Badger football, a lone Cardinal & Gold beam of light shone brightly. While having a Trojan fan located in any state besides California may not seem special, it was who Ryan Davidson was that made his relationship with the University and the football program special.

You see Ryan had brain cancer since he was 6 years old, and his relationship with USC began during his "Make A Wish" gift to attend a Trojan football game. Pete Carroll, Matt Leinart, Reggie Bush and the rest of the Trojans on the 2004 National Championship took him under his wing and he instantly became the unofficial mascot for the Trojans. He attended several games over the years, all the while to continue his battle against brain cancer, but never losing faith, and never quiting. A true demonstration of our cry to "Fight On!"

Ryan was also one of the highest fundraisers for the American Cancer Society in Wisconsin, and this year alone, he raised over $25,000 for cancer research.

He was taken away from the Trojan Family on his 16th birthday, and I am sure George Tirebiter is sitting next to him as John McKay, Howard Jones and other glorious Trojans of lore are happily sharing their stories of gridiron glory from days past.

Here is a video of USC's tribute to Ryan before the San Jose State game: