All-deaf Fremont school football team's game airs on ESPN

FREMONT, Calif. (KGO) -- There are hundreds of high school football teams in the Bay Area, but one is unique because all of their players are hard of hearing or deaf.

On Wednesday, their game will be shown on national TV.

Last year their story captured the hearts and mind of fans across the country after they were featured on ESPN.

At the pep rally you can feel the excitement and sense the energy, expressing it is merely done with hands.

The California School for the Deaf in Fremont and their football team is closer to stardom.

Their fans know how to motivate them off and on the field. "They can sense it, you see the hands wave, it's very visual, you see the clapping," California School for the Deaf football coach Warren Keller said.

Last year, they were featured in a documentary where they proved they are no different than any other all-American football team.

Well, maybe in some aspects of the game they are. "Most of my kids use sign language and they sign totally in American sign language," Keller said.

After that documentary aired, five football players transferred to the school.

On Wednesday, Keller introduced them.

Being on national TV has helped the school highlight their programs, which help deaf children navigate their way through the rest of society.

Established in 1860, California School for the Deaf has been one of only two public schools in California for the deaf.

They start as early as preschool and go through high school. "Our kids really, fully survive, they thrive and they have confidence, there's nothing they can't do," California School for the Deaf spokesperson Jac Cook said.

Whatever method you use, whether it's words or sign language, it means true grit.