Zaevion Dobson’s last living moments were spent protecting others. In his death, the high school football player set a standard many of us hope we’d be able to live up to if given the opportunity. But, while he’s no longer with us, he will be rewarded for his courage at this year’s ESPY Awards.

ESPN has announced that Dobson will become the youngest recipient of the Arthur Ashe Courage Award, he was only 15 years old. This all because of his sacrifice. Other recipients of the award have been Muhammad Ali, Pat Summitt, Dean Smith, Caitlyn Jenner and four passengers who helped prevent a 9/11 hijacking on United Flight 93.

RELATED: NYC Mother Killed In Park While Shielding Her Children From Gunfire

“He would light up the room,” said Dobson’s mother Zenobia, who will accept the award on his behalf in Los Angeles on July 13. “He was just so sweet. He had a warm spirit. His spirit was awesome, amazing. He was an amazing son. He was so sweet. He would always compliment me. He would always compliment his friends.”

“I’m just so honored to be his mother,” Dobson continued. “I will always love him in my heart, but since his passing, I love him even more. I draw closer to him every day. I visit him at the cemetery every day, and I just talk to him every day, every single day. Even when I wake up in the morning, his picture is right there on my dresser and I can look at him. Even if my eyes are closed, I still say, ‘Good morning, Zaevion,’ or ‘Good night, Zaevion,’ ‘I love you, Zaevion,’ ‘I miss you, Zaevion.'”

Dobson was killed when he jumped in front of three young girls to protect them from a shooting spree in Tennessee late last year. The girls were unharmed in the shooting.

Photo Credit: Twitter