Minnesota Athlete, Severely Burned At 4 Years Old, Receives Jimmy V Award For Perseverance At ESPYs

MINNEAPOLIS (WCCO) -- A Minnesota athlete who overcame tragedy and severe burns as a child has been honored with the  Jimmy V Award for Perseverance at the ESPY awards Sunday night.

At 4 years old, Taquarius "TQ" Wair suffered third-degree burns in a 2004 Minneapolis house fire. His 6-year-old sister, Shawneece, died in the fire. Wair spent the next month in a coma, needing skin grafts and reconstruction.

Over the years, Wair had to endure multiple surgeries due to his burns and scars, but it didn't stop him from pursuing his dream of playing football at Minneapolis North High School. Wair is now at Mesabi Range College in Virginia, Minnesota.

Seahawks linebacker Shaquem Griffin surprised Wair with the award and a special message Sunday evening.

"Jimmy V talked about perseverance and overcoming all obstacles, [someone] who shows nothing but grind, nothing but perseverance and attitude and grit, and I want to let you know that you're that guy. And I'm proud of you, bro," Griffin said.

RELATED: Twins' Nelson Cruz Wins ESPY Award For Humanitarian Work

Wair said it's been a humbling experience, but for everyone to "stay tuned" for what's to come.

"I've been through a lot. It's just in my nature not to give up. My family won't let me give up. They've been through every part of my life with me. It's just another part of my life they get to enjoy with me – and I get to enjoy with them," he said. "Let's see where I can go from here."

The Jimmy V Perseverance Award is named after legendary college basketball coach Jim Valvano, who gave an iconic speech at the 1993 ESPY awards while he was terminally ill will cancer, featuring the phrase, "don't give. Don't ever give up." Valvano died about seven weeks later.

The first Jimmy V award was given out in 2007.