15-Year-Old Valrico Teen Broadcasts NFL Game After Heart Surgery

Justin Pogorzala, 15, sat in the broadcast booth at Hard Rock Stadium in South Florida last weekend. He did this after Make-A-Wish Southern Florida arranged a visit with Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes and CBS Sports announcer Kevin Harlan.

Pogorzala resides in Valrico and carries an implantable cardiac defibrillator. The device protects him from sudden cardiac arrest. This diagnosis ended his career as a competitive athlete. He now aims to work in sports media.

His specific wish was to meet Harlan and learn how an NFL broadcast operates. The organization turned that request into a multi-day trip. Pogorzala spent time with Harlan during the Chiefs' game against the Miami Dolphins. They discussed his career path and the mechanics of live television.

Harlan told Pogorzala he sees a promising future in broadcasting. The veteran announcer praised the teenager's voice and his knowledge of the game. Harlan offered career advice to the young fan.

Pogorzala wore a headset and sat in the actual broadcast seat during the game. He watched the action from the same perspective as the professionals. He also met players on the field. He watched Mahomes give an interview after the game. He received team gear and memorabilia from both franchises.

His family joined him for the event. They traveled to and from the stadium in a chauffeur-driven limousine. CBS, the NFL, the Kansas City Chiefs, and the Miami Dolphins collaborated to create the access. Pogorzala said the experience gave him a new direction after leaving the field.

Make-A-Wish Southern Florida documented the trip with photos and video. The group credited the materials to their archives. Pogorzala now has a direct connection to the industry he hopes to join.