Vikings surprise teen with trip to memorable Super Bowl
Feb 5, 2018, 8:32 AM | Updated: Oct 1, 2024, 7:39 am
(AP Photo/Chris O'Meara)
(AP Photo/Chris O'Meara)
Danny Lilya of Moose Lake, Minnesota was born with a separated spine and has been paralyzed from the waist down his entire life. But being in a wheelchair has never meant limitations for this teen.
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The 16-year-old always dreamed of playing Rebel Football for his town’s high school team.
“I’d be in the stands wearing my Rebels jersey and my hair painted red and blue. I’d watch them and think to myself, ‘I want to be out there,'” Lilya told CBS.
He got his shot when the Rebels head coach found him a spot holding the ball for the team’s kicker. He’s held the ball for 20 extra points this season.
His story caught the attention of the Minnesota Vikings, who invited him to one of the team practices. He got to hold the ball for a few practice kicks.
At one point, Lilya thought one of the Vikings was doing a bit of play-acting by saying, “this one is to win the game and go to the Super Bowl.” The kick was good and soon after the players handed Lilya two tickets to Super Bowl 52.
He got to go and see the Eagles’ historic win.
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