Former Alabama defensive lineman Quinton Dial, a fifth-round pick by the San Francisco 49ers in 2013, says he’ll dedicate this year’s opener to fallen comrade Alex Fernandez, a longtime fan who recently succumbed to cancer.

Knowing the 20-year-old’s situation was terminal, Dial helped Fernandez check off his ‘bucket list’ items after he stopped treatment and provided him with a wealth of 49ers memorabilia including jerseys from Colin Kaepernick and Patrick Willis, a team blanket, a signed football and a poster.

“I’m not really counting my days right now, I’m counting the moments,” Fernandez told ABC30 in June.

Dial signed a jersey and presented it to Fernandez as well, along with a message via his foundation, QD’s Kids:

“I want Alex Fernandez to know that he has made a difference in my life by sharing his story,” Dial messaged. “He is my hero, and people like him encourage me to continue our work through our non-profit QD’s Kids. I lead this non-profit in order to make ‘moments’ count for all children and adults who are combating challenges in their life. My first game is going to be dedicated to him for being a brave hero and for making a difference in the lives of others.”

Before his death, Fernandez helped schedule a benefit concert in Lindsay, California on July 15 to raise money for folks in similar situations who want to complete their bucket lists but don’t have the resources through the Make-A-Wish Foundation.

Fernandez didn’t make the concert, but his impact on others lives on.

“One of the last things he wanted was to pay it forward to other people like him,” said Alex’s step-mother Angie, according to The Sun Gazette. “We are going to contact local hospices to see what we can do to help other families.”