If there is anyone who knows his Steelers' players, it's 17-year Owen Gafford. Before players even had to introduce themselves after practice on Friday, Gafford called them by name, knew their jersey number, and their college. And he greeted every one of them with a smile that would light up any room.
The Steelers grant the wish of a young Steelers fan from Texas.
But that smile got a little bit bigger, a little brighter, and a lot wider when two of his favorites, Antonio Brown and William Gay, approached Gafford.
"I'm speechless," quipped Gafford after meeting both of them.
Gafford was at Steelers practice on Friday through the Make-A-Wish Foundation, and will be at Sunday's Steelers-Jets game at Heinz Field. It's a dream come true for the teen from the Houston, Texas area, who battles Duchenne's Muscular Dystrophy.
"They are my favorite team," said Gafford. "It's the tradition. That and Troy Polamalu and the way he played the game with intensity got me into liking the Steelers."
Gafford, who is a trainer for his high school team, the Deer Park Deers, also wanted to meet Steelers' President Art Rooney II, and was thrilled when that happened after practice as well.
"This is great," said Gafford. "It feels good to be here. I was shocked and excited when I found out I was coming here. And this is special. I am speechless."
