Turner Cockrell left his Vanderbilt teammates after the season opener last Saturday to go to Houston, where he went to the University of Texas’ MD Anderson Cancer Center. But before he left, Commodores coach Derek Mason gave him a special gift.

In a story by Zac Ellis on Vanderbilt’s athletics site, it’s detailed how Cockrell received the game ball after the Commodores’ season-opening win over Middle Tennessee State.

Cockrell had watched the game with Mason’s family in the coach’s suite. But afterward, the redshirt sophomore was in the locker room.

“I want to be able to give the game ball to Turner Cockrell,” Mason said after the game, according to Ellis. “Turner leaves tomorrow. He’s heading down to Houston. He’s going to take care of some business. He’s going to win, just like we’re winning for him. Every day, there won’t be a day that goes by that we don’t honor Turner Cockrell.”

Cockrell was surprised. And he’s continued to be appreciative of all the support.

“I was not expecting that to happen,” Cockrell said, per Ellis. “It was incredible to know my entire team was fully supportive and behind me.

“It’s been a huge help to have that support at Vanderbilt. The whole team has been nothing but supportive — well-wishes, prayers, you name it. People have been offering all types of help. It has really been kind of incredible.”

For more on Cockrell’s battle with cancer, read the full story by Ellis here.