Michael loved to play football. For many years, he was smaller than the other kids his age, so he spent a lot of time on the bench, but his dad still cheered as if he was the star of the team.

Although a few people thought it was strange that Michael signed up every year to play, the coach saw his diligence and dedication, and always found a slot for him on the roster.

While in college, Michael received the tragic news that his father had passed away. At practice that afternoon, Michael told the coach about his father’s death and asked him, “Would it be all right if I miss practice today?”

The coach gently put his arm around his shoulder and said, “Take the rest of the week off, son, and don’t even plan to come to the game on Saturday.”

That Saturday, the team was losing in the first quarter when the coach and players saw Michael coming toward them. The coach decided instantly to put him in the game.

As soon as Michael took the field, his team caught up, and by halftime, the game was tied. However, the real cheer came when he intercepted a pass for the winning touchdown. His entire team congratulated him on the win.

After the game, the coach approached Michael, who was seated alone in the corner of the locker room, and asked him, “Where did that come from?”

Michael looked at the coach, with tears in his eyes, and said, “Well, you knew my dad passed away, but did you know that he was blind?” The young man swallowed hard, forced a smile and said, “Dad always came to all my games, but today was the first time he could see me play and I wanted to show him I could do it!”