KNOXVILLE (WVLT) -- There were days when Jordan Ritchie thought he was going to die.

Five months of miserable chemotherapy treatments tested the high school student's strength, patience and positive outlook. But Ritchie defeated lymphoma. And now he's helping his teammates at Christian Academy of Knoxville defeat their rivals.

Ritchie won't be on the field this fall; the disease sapped his strength and relegated him to the sidelines. But he's doing as much off the field as he ever did on it -- coaching young players, encouraging his teammates and inspiring everyone who encounters his gracious, softspoken demeanor.

While he won't earn any receiving yards or grass stains this season, Ritchie's tenacity and wisdom have made him a champion.