High School Football Player Hospitalized After Suffering Heat Stroke

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WOLF CITY (CBSDFW.COM ) - Barbara Gonzalez-Peden and husband Gerald Peden couldn't believe it: Their 17-year-old son Mason became ill and suffered a heat stroke while at football practice in Wolf City near Commerce around 7:30 Thursday morning.

"I was never prepared to ever get a call like that. I was in complete panic. We had someone from the same town a year ago, a little boy, who passed away of heat stroke, so that's the first thing that popped through my mind," said Gonzalez-Peden.

Mason remains in the intensive care unit at Children's Medical Center Dallas and his parents said he still needs help breathing.

They said he is improving and responding to their questions.

The intense heat proved to be overpowering to this 6 ft 3,  270 pound right tackle -- and his family said his heart is just as big.

Gonzalez-Peden describeed her son as "Quiet, shy, loyal, sweet."

Peden said Mason is "A big teddy bear, and an amazing brother."

Both parents said they thought Mason's eyes looked different this week after practice.

But when they asked him, they say he insisted he was fine.

Now they have warned other parents to take a closer look at their children. "They're reluctant to tell you everything that's going on and how they feel and try to be the tough kid."

Gonzalez's family said they're very thankful to the communities of Wolf City and Commerce where many people have placed Mason's picture up on their Facebook pages to show their support.

No word how long he will remain in the hospital.

Mason's parents said they hope he will soon be able to get back on the football field.

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