CBS 58's Hometown Athlete: Marquette High School grad Tommy Novotny plays for more than himself
MILWAUKEE (CBS 58) -- Before heading off to UW-Whitewater, Marquette running back Tommy Novotny played in the Wisconsin Football Coaches Association All-Star game. With mom, Anne, watching.
"I love football," Anne Novotny says. "I grew up in a football family. And watching Tommy be able to carry that tradition on has been phenomenal."
But Novotny's true inspiration comes from his brother, Reece.
"I wish everybody could see him every day," Tommy Novotny says.
"He was still smiling," Tommy Novotny says. "Even though he probably didn't even know what was going on. He was still smiling. And being able to go out with him, all the moments I've had with him, I mean like my mom says, I see him every day."
"I'm getting choked up because the joy he brings Reece is something that I can't describe," Anne Novotny says. "And it is something so special."
Now the challenge? Tommy became Reece's caregiver. But now Warhawks football calls.
"I gotta go see him," Tommy Novotny says. "Just to see what he's doing. What he's laughing about. I mean, he laughs all night, so I mean, everybody knows."
"Tommy's been changing diapers," Anne Novotny says. "He's been giving Reece his feeds on his G tube. He has been, you know, taking, doing all of his cares. And taking care of this kid. Without batting an eye."
Anne Novotny has adopted 11 kids and fostered countless others.
CBS 58 Sports Director Lance Allan asks, "So are you part hero and part crazy?"
"I would say more crazy. Zero hero," Anne Novotny says with a laugh.
But the love and bond of this family will carry on.
"I would just have to thank him for everything he's done for me. Everything he's done for our family. He's brought so much joy. So much faith," Tommy Novotny says.