Bengals players surprise Middletown teen in hospital

Elley Ferrell’s 16th birthday party was delayed because of complications from a recent surgery, but she and other patients at Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center were visited this week by members of the Cincinnati Bengals.

Rookie center Billy Price, the Bengals first-round pick from Ohio State University, spent time Wednesday in Elley’s room and posed for pictures.

Elley’s father, Pastor Lamar Ferrell of Berachah Church in Middletown, said Elley is a “huge” Ohio State football fan and was thrilled to meet Price and about 10 other Bengals.

“A fantastic face of the Bengals” and “a true gentleman” is how Ferrell described Price.

Elley’s grandmother, Laura Nell Ferrell, said when she met the Bengals players, she asked if any of them played center. She was introduced to Price and told him her brother, Rick Nuzum, an all-American at University of Kentucky, played center for several NFL teams, including the Los Angeles Rams, Green Bay Packers and New York Giants.

“He was very kind,” she said.

When asked about meeting an NFL player, Ferrell laughed and said Price “was fortunate to get to meet Elley.”

Elley was born with spina bifida. A Middletown playground named after her serves children of all abilities.

About the Author