In the days of Colin Kaepernick protesting the National Anthem, and Ryan Lochte’s Rio robbery claim, it’s nice to report the good deeds performed by athletes that are truly making a difference in their communities.
Florida State wide receiver Travis Rudolph visited Montford Middle School in Tallahassee and observed sixth grader Bo Paske sitting by himself at lunch. So, Rudolph pulled up a chair.
Paske has autism, but Rudolph never noticed. The two ate pizza together and spent the entire lunch period chatting it up. Unbeknownst to Rudolph, a parent took a picture of them and sent it to Paske’s mom, Leah, who posted this moving and insightful message on Facebook.
“A friend of mine sent this beautiful picture to me today and when I saw it with the caption “Travis Rudolph is eating lunch with your son” I replied “who is that?” He said “FSU football player”, then I had tears streaming down my face. Travis Rudolph, a wide receiver at Florida State, and several other FSU players visited my sons school today. I’m not sure what exactly made this incredibly kind man share a lunch table with my son, but I’m happy to say that it will not soon be forgotten. This is one day I didn’t have to worry if my sweet boy ate lunch alone, because he sat across from someone who is a hero in many eyes. Travis Rudolph thank you so much, you made this momma exceedingly happy, and have made us fans for life!”
Here’s Leah’s full post:
As for Rudolph’s response?
Travis Rudolph: “He’s a cool person, I’ll hang out with him any day. And for the mom, if he needs my (cell) number, he can get it.” #FSU
— Kenny Morales (@KennyMoralesTV) August 30, 2016
Little gestures can make the biggest impact.