Northeast Metro Tech Football Player Recovering After Head Injury

WAKEFIELD, MA — The 16-year-old Northeast Metro Tech football player who suffered a serious head injury over the weekend is recovering from surgery, his family said in a brief statement.

Brandon Cooke, of Winthrop, was hurt during a junior varsity game against Saugus. He had surgery at MassGeneral Hospital for Children.

"Our family would like to thank the football community, his care team, parents and friends for their thoughts and prayers," his family's statement reads. "We ask for privacy as we focus on Brandon's healing."

A GoFundMe to support Cooke's recovery has raised more than $11,000 of a $200,000 goal as of late Tuesday night.

"Brandon is on the road to recovery but he has a long road ahead of him still," the GoFundMe reads. "He’s been playing Football since he was 7 years old and is so passionate about the sport. He played running back and safety on defense for Varsity. He’s such an amazing hardworking young man who is an honor roll student."

Cooke has been studying plumbing at the Wakefield vocational school. His dream has been to open a company with his twin brother.

"Brandon is strong and he is a fighter," the GoFundMe reads. "He will get through this with the help of all his friends, family, and supporters. We are BRANDON STRONG!"

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