Amador Valley High School quarterback Kannon Dote went through a lengthy recovery after an ACL injury last year. He's ready to step on the field again and will do so on Friday night.
It's a story that parallels what Jimmy Garoppolo went through over the past year. So the San Francisco 49ers quarterback recorded a message for Dote, wishing him luck in his return from injury.
"Just wanted to wish you luck, man," Garoppolo said to Dote via the video. "I know you went through the same process as me with the ACL and everything. I just want to let you know, man, tough times don't last, tough people do. So stay strong man, and good luck tomorrow and the rest of the way. Tear it up this year, man."
Garoppolo's return to the field was on Monday night against the Denver Broncos. The performance in limited snaps wasn't what the quarterback or his fans had hoped, but he will have one last chance to shake off any post-injury rust before the season on Saturday against the Kansas City Chiefs.
Dote was appreciative of the good luck wishes from the 49ers quarterback.
"An ACL injury ain't gonna keep either of us down," Dote wrote via Instagram.
The Amador Valley Dons play the Antioch Panthers on Friday at 7 p.m. PT.
H/t to Chris Biderman of the Sacramento Bee for the find.