Ella Whistler Honored At Colts Training Camp

WESTFIELD, IN — Noblesville West Middle School shooting survivor Ella Whistler, 13, was invited to break down the huddle during the Indianapolis Colts training camp Sunday at Grand Park Sports Campus in Westfield. The Colts posted a video (see below) of Whistler and the team to social media Sunday evening, showing the teen walking through a line of players, meeting quarterback Andrew Luck in the middle.

Luck greeted Whistler with a big smile, saying, "If we were all as tough as you, we'd probably win a bunch of Super Bowls." Luck asked if she'd lead the team in a break, suggesting they break the huddle on the count on three with "Ella Strong!" Cheers and claps followed, as Luck gave her a hug at the end.

Whistler was shot seven times during the May 25 school shooting, and has been recovering after undergoing emergency, life-saving surgery just two months ago.

The following week, the Colts showed support for Whistler and her teacher, Jason Seaman, who was shot several times in the shooting, by wearing #NobStrong shirts during practice. The shirts had Seaman's college football number (91) and Ella Whistler's initials, in addition to Seaman's words "You are the reason I teach" and the hashtag. Proceeds from the shirts went to the pair.

During a July 18 guest segment on 95.5 WFMS, Whistler said she will head back to school on Wednesday, Aug. 1.

MORE:

• Indianapolis Colts 2018 Season Schedule Announced
  
• Indianapolis Colts Wear #NOBstrong Shirts For Shooting Victims
• Shooting Survivor Ella Whistler Ready To Go Back To School
• Colts 2018 Training Camp Schedule Includes 'Fan-Focused' Days

We had the honor of hosting Ella Whistler and her family today at #ColtsCamp.

For those unfamiliar with Ella's story, she survived 7 gunshots in the Noblesville West Middle School shooting a couple months ago.

We are all #EllaStrong. pic.twitter.com/6zxpeZfY6a
— Indianapolis Colts (@Colts) July 30, 2018

Photo courtesy of GoFundMe. GoFundMe is a Patch partner.