LEWISTON, N.Y. (WKBW) — At Lewiston-Porter Senior High School, there's a new safety playing football. An amputation of his left leg at 10 years old hasn't stopped Gavin Burns from playing underneath the Friday night lights.
Before the 2025 season, 17-year-old Gavin just convinced his mom to let him join the team.
"It wasn't hard," he said. "I was like, 'Mom, I want to play football."
"I was stunned at the fact that he wanted to play," Jacqueline, his mom, said. "So, I said, 'Are you sure?' And he said, 'Yes.' I said 'Okay, we'll get the ball rolling.'"
WATCH: 'Inspiring these kids': Amputee, Gavin Burns, joins Lew-Port football team senior year
In June of 2018, Gavin had his left leg amputated after an accident involving a lawnmower, but he never stopped working. Now, he's back making plays on the football field.
"I wanted to inspire others," Burns said. "It shocks me. Every time on the field, I think about [losing my leg]. 'Am I really playing football?'"
For Burns, football was a way to share the field with his brother, but far more people than just his brother have noticed.
"There is younger kids watching him and looking up to him," Lew-Port Football head coach Derek Tracy said. "So, he's inspiring these kids, and he probably doesn't even realize it."
"There's nothing that can hold you back," Jason, his dad, said. "You may feel like you have limitations, but just go out there and do it."
