NFL teams watched plenty of highlight clips of former Florida State wide receiver Travis Rudolph ahead of the 2017 NFL Draft, but the “big play” that probably stands out the most is the one he made last summer when he saw a middle school student who has autism sitting by himself at lunch.
Rudolph pulled up a chair and befriended the kid, who is now known as Bo Paske. Bo’s mother, Leah, posted a picture of the two chowing down and getting to know one another.
Since August, Rudolph and Bo have become quite close. In fact, a week after they first met, Rudolph surprised Bo with a Florida State jersey.
Best. Day. Ever.@TravisRudolph5 surprised Bo Paske with a personalized jersey this morning! pic.twitter.com/79diMkZhtl
— FSU Football (@FSU_Football) September 5, 2016
But, it gets even better. Rudolph invited Bo to his NFL Draft party.
Bo Paske in the house with Travis Rudolph. If you recall, Travis, sat with Bo during lunch which started their friendshsip. pic.twitter.com/9CElm1AvUv
— Max Shepman (@MadMax1063) April 29, 2017
Rudolph wasn’t selected by any of the 32 teams. However, after the draft, he agreed to terms with the New York Giants as an undrafted free agent.
This comes just 10 days after Rudolph’s father, Darryl, was tragically killed by an accidental gunshot wound while doing handyman work in a nightclub.
It’s been an emotional two weeks for Rudolph, but with a loving family and Bo by his side, it looks like he has a lot of good support.
