A former Temecula high school quarterback who lost his leg after a terrible injury lived out a dream Friday when he got to toss a football around with New Orleans Saints quarterback Drew Brees.

“It’s beyond a dream come true,” former Linfield Christian quarterback Alex Ruiz told KCAL-9 on Friday during a flag football game in Brees’ flag football league in Del Mar.

The game, during which he was presented with a prosthetic leg from the Challenged Athletes Foundation, comes three months after doctors amputated Ruiz’s leg.

The injury that led to the amputation happened Oct. 6 during a game against Ontario Christian High, according to a Southern California News Group report. Ruiz, ball in hand, was brought down trying to step over a player. He dislocated a knee and tore his artery.

The lack of blood to his foot left Alex and his family with an excruciating decision: walk forever with a limp or amputate his leg. He chose a partial amputation.

Brees, who suffered an injury when he was in high school, lauded Alex for his decision.

“That could have been me,” Brees told KCAL-9. “If all of us look at it like that, then I think that’s when we can all band together and be there for one another and help one another.”

Alex’s new prosthetic might allow him to eventually play sports again.

“If you ask (Alex) right now,” Brees said, “there’s no denying the look in his eye that’s what he wants to do.”

Alex was grateful he could attend the event.

“I don’t know what to say,” he told KCAL-9. “I’m extremely grateful for everyone who put forth the effort to do this for me.”

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