The Jennings County community is mourning the loss of Landyn Porter, a Jennings County High School junior and three year member of the Panthers football program whose life touched teammates, coaches, classmates and family members far beyond the football field.
News of Landyn’s death was shared by the Jennings County High School Football Program, which described him as a young man whose positivity remained constant despite years of health challenges.
“Landyn was truly a bright spot in this world, with a contagious positivity, and a determination, despite all that he had been dealt with in his health,” the program shared.
Coaches remembered a player who embraced every day with enthusiasm. Whether he was in the weight room working on his favorite lift, the deadlift, or greeting friends in the hallways, Landyn became known for his kindness and optimism.
According to the football program, he could often be found offering fist bumps to teammates, coaches, teachers and classmates simply to wish them a good morning.
“Landyn was the type of kid that keeps coaches coming back each day,” the program wrote.
A battle fought with courage
Landyn’s death comes after a difficult fight against relapsed leukemia.
Earlier updates shared by family members revealed that doctors discovered his B-cell Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia (B-ALL) had returned during what was expected to be a routine medical appointment.
The news came as a devastating shock.
His mother, Ashley Hobbs, shared that doctors immediately began preparing an aggressive treatment plan that included surgery, chemotherapy, bone marrow testing and a lengthy hospitalization.
Even in that moment, Landyn’s response reflected the determination that so many would later remember.
“The first thing he said today when learning this difficult news was, ‘Momma I got this and I will do it again.'”
Those words quickly became a reflection of the courage he showed throughout his battle.
Coach remembers a player who made an impact
Jennings County football coach Jason Burton shared an emotional tribute following Landyn’s passing.
“A loved one recently told me, ‘You’re good with words, good with emotions, and seem to always know what to say.’ The truth is, sometimes there are no right words or things to say,” Burton wrote.
The coach recalled Landyn’s daily greetings, conversations during workouts and the positivity he brought to everyone around him.
“I will miss our chats before and during workouts, miss our morning fist bumps at school as you say good morning.”
Burton said Landyn represented everything coaches hope to find in a student-athlete.
“You were truly the type of kid I dedicate my life to coaching for.”
The loss has sparked an outpouring of support throughout Jennings County.
Community members have begun organizing a benefit event to assist Landyn’s family with expenses and provide support during the difficult weeks ahead.
Organizers are collecting donations and planning auctions to honor his memory while helping those he leaves behind.
One organizer noted that Landyn loved football and cherished the time he spent with his mother.
As fundraising efforts continue, supporters have asked the public to respect the family’s privacy while keeping them in their thoughts and prayers.
A lasting legacy
Tributes from coaches, teammates and community members paint a picture of a young man who never allowed adversity to define him.
Instead, friends remember someone whose smile, positivity and determination inspired those around him every day.
The football program closed its tribute with words that capture how many will remember him:
“Landyn, may you forever rest in peace, spreading positivity in heaven with fist bumps, smiles and a few tackles. Forever in our hearts and minds.”
For the Jennings County football family, Landyn Porter was far more than a player. He was a teammate, a friend, and a source of encouragement whose impact will continue to be felt long after his final game.
