When the Cincinnati Bengals took the field in Madrid, the trip turned into a once‑in‑a‑lifetime experience for a young fan. Jackson Pohl, an 11‑year‑old quarterback who plays flag football for an undefeated Dutch national championship team, received a game‑ball directly from Bengals wide receiver Tee Higgins during a second‑quarter touchdown.
Family’s journey to Spain
Greg Pohl, a lifelong Bengals supporter, said the family moved from Los Angeles to the Netherlands for work and were determined to make the trip from Amsterdam to Madrid once they learned the team would be playing abroad. “From the moment it was announced, no matter what we had to do, we were getting to Madrid,” he explained.
The moment on the field
Greg was in line getting food for the family when he heard the crowd’s roar and saw Higgins hand the ball to someone. “All of a sudden that someone turns, and I’m like, ‘Oh my God, it’s Jackson!’” Greg recalled, adding that he began shouting and everyone around him started jumping up and down.
Jackson described the feeling as “the best moment ever,” saying he was “so happy.” The ball came from a touchdown pass by his favorite quarterback, Joe Burrow, whom Jackson called his “biggest idol.” He said he would love to meet Burrow in person to ask for advice on improving his own quarterback skills.
Gratitude and future hopes
Greg thanked Higgins and the Bengals for giving his son a memory the family will always cherish. “That could have gone to anyone, and he gave it to him,” he said. The Pohls also hope to see the Bengals return to the Super Bowl and plan to attend the game in Los Angeles when that opportunity arises.
Original reporting: WLWT Cincinnati — read the source article.
