Luca DeLaGarza, the late son of Houston Dynamo defender A.J., has never been far from his father's heart. He'll remain close during games this season, as equipment manager Chris Maxwell worked to put "Luca Knows Heart" logos on the back of the Dynamo badge on DeLaGarza's jerseys.
Luca was diagnosed with hypoplastic left heart syndrome, a congenital heart defect that leaves a portion of the heart underdeveloped, during a prenatal ultrasound. On September 4, 2014, a week after his birth and multiple open heart surgeries, Luca passed away. An outpouring of support from Galaxy teammates and players and teams across the league comforted the DeLaGarza's during the ordeal, and the #LucaKnowsHeart campaign was created.
WATCH: The Luca DeLaGarza Story
Maxwell collaborated with U.S. Soccer equipment manager Jesse Bignami to get the decals created and placed on the back side of the Dynamo crest for DeLaGarza's jerseys, separate from the player's knowledge.
"It’s everything," DeLaGarza said of the surprise. "For these guys, who didn’t go through it with me when it was going on, to still have the respect and character to go out of their way to do things for him, is pretty special. Pretty special club."
While a small gesture, DeLaGarza said they all add together for special moments of remembrance.
"It’s always an honor for me to honor my son," he said. "That’s why I have tattoos, I write his name on my shoes, try to do whatever I can to honor him and keep his name alive. Whether it’s with the foundation, or playing soccer—at the start of every half when I kiss my wrist. It’s a special thing, it’s pretty cool."
