Flat Rock boy, 9, one of Aidan Hutchinson's Hutch Heroes

Katie Tibai
Updated ·2 min read
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FLAT ROCK — Conner Adcock, 9, is a third-grade student at John Barnes Elementary School. He is many things: kind, smart, a clothing model, funny and an athlete, to name a few.

Barnes Elementary third grader Conner Adcock (right) sings out loud with Kayle Hayhurst (left) and his classmates. They sang the Disney song "Let it Go" in music class on Detroit Lions Day. Flat Rock Community Schools shouted out for the Detroit Lions Thursday as part of spirit week. Conner wore the number 97 to show his support for Aidan Hutchinson, who calls Conner his good luck charm and is a Hutch Hero.

Recently, he added a new item to that list: Detroit Lions’ Aidan Hutchinson’s good luck charm. At least, that’s what Hutchison called Conner after the Lions' Jan. 14 win against the Los Angeles Rams.

Detroit Lions defensive end Aidan Hutchinson in a press conference called Conner Adcock, 8, third grader at Barnes Elementary in Flat Rock his good luck charm during a press conference above as his classmates in Stephanie Herrell class. It was Detroit Lions day at Barnes Elementary Thursday, Jan. 25, 2024. Adcock wears the number 97 to show his support for Aidan Hutchinson, who calls Conner his good luck charm and is a Hutch Hero.

“I’m really happy and excited,” Conner said. “It makes me feel special.”

Barnes Elementary school principal Kirstie Mullins high-fives Conner Adcock Thursday, Detroit Lions Day at the school. ,
Barnes Elementary school principal Kirstie Mullins high-fives Conner Adcock Thursday, Detroit Lions Day at the school. ,

Conner is part of Hutch Heroes, a program started by Aidan Hutchison and his family to feature the stories of children diagnosed with various illnesses. Many of the children featured are patients at Mott Children’s Hospital in Ann Arbor. Conner, who was diagnosed with cerebral palsy, is the first Hutch Hero to be connected via social media.

Previous Coverage: 'Here I come!' Flat Rock boy models adaptive clothing in New York

Previous Coverage: Fashion sense: Flat Rock boy, 7, on runway in New York

Conner’s parents, Melissa and Steve Adcock, run Conner’s instagram account @connersjourney. They post their son’s journey with therapy and adaptive sports. Lately, Conner has been using his accounts to cheer on his favorite football team and make predictions for the outcome of the games.

Detroit Lions defensive end Aidan Hutchinson calls his Instagram friend Conner Adcock his good luck charm. This photo was of Hutchinson was taken on the television after the Lions game against Tampa Bay.
Detroit Lions defensive end Aidan Hutchinson calls his Instagram friend Conner Adcock his good luck charm. This photo was of Hutchinson was taken on the television after the Lions game against Tampa Bay.

“Hutchison will make two sacks, and Goff will throw zero interceptions,” is Conner's prediction for the Jan. 28 playoff game against the San Francisco 49ers. “Also, the Lions will win," he said.

Barnes Elementary fifth grader Isabella Martinez wore a big blue hat in the spirit of the Detroit Lions Day Thursday at the school.
Barnes Elementary fifth grader Isabella Martinez wore a big blue hat in the spirit of the Detroit Lions Day Thursday at the school.

Conner predicts that the score will be 28-24 in favor of Detroit.

“I’m really hoping that I get to meet him one day,” Conner said. The other Hutch Heroes have previously been visited by the football player at the hospital.

Melissa Adcock is very appreciative of the attention this unforeseen relationship has brought to her son’s platform.

Barnes Elementary third grader Ellie Johnson, 8, twist and turns the hula hoop in gym class Thursday during Detroit Lions Day.
Barnes Elementary third grader Ellie Johnson, 8, twist and turns the hula hoop in gym class Thursday during Detroit Lions Day.

“The whole experience fell into our lap after we tagged Hutchison in a post on Instagram of Conner walking,” Melissa said. “Now I hope that people who are hearing Conner’s story, and all the Hutch Heroes stories, can learn that kids with disabilities want to play and be involved, just like everyone else.”

Conner’s love for Detroit sports is shared by his whole family. One of his favorite things to do is celebrate a Lions' victory by dancing with his mom or wearing the jersey of his favorite players.

Barnes Elementary third graders Bree Marlow, Alaura Villegas and Shia Fernandez and their teacher, Abigail Miklos, wore Detroit Lions necklaces and growled like lions for Detroit Lions Day.
Barnes Elementary third graders Bree Marlow, Alaura Villegas and Shia Fernandez and their teacher, Abigail Miklos, wore Detroit Lions necklaces and growled like lions for Detroit Lions Day.

Since Conner’s social media interactions with the defensive end, he has been a featured hero on the House of Hutch website and on Hutchison’s famous gallon water jug he carries on the field at the beginning of each game.

Barnes Elementary school principal Kirstie Mullins high-fives third graders as she was wearing the number of Detroit Lions defensive end Aiden Hutchinson Thursday.
Barnes Elementary school principal Kirstie Mullins high-fives third graders as she was wearing the number of Detroit Lions defensive end Aiden Hutchinson Thursday.

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Conner has been thoroughly enjoying the excitement of his new friend and can’t wait to see where the team goes in their playoff run.

“Let’s go Lions!" he said.

This article originally appeared on The Monroe News: Flat Rock boy, 9, one of Aidan Hutchinson's Hutch Heroes