Photo: “Tyler's dream of running a touchdown is about to come true,” said his cousin, West Point varsity football player Hunter Persall. But what Hunter didn't know was that dream included him. Tyler always wanted to run a touchdown with the only boy he grew up with as a brother.
WEST POINT – When Tyler Branon was born, his parents named him Tyler Dale, anticipating that someday he might want to use his initials, TD, because they also refer to “touchdown.” It proved to be prophetic, against all odds.
You see, Tyler is autistic. His mom, Christina, never really thought that she would see her son accomplish that first, hopeful vision of crossing a goal line, but thanks to a group who were touched by a scene outside the West Point High Stadium, Tyler’s dream, and his mom’s, became a reality last weekend.
“We usually try to make all of the home games,” Christina explained. “He had never caused problems before, but for some reason, Tyler started having a meltdown when he saw his cousin, Hunter Persall, running down the field for a touchdown. He became so agitated that I had to take him out of the stadium,” said Christina.
Tyler’s emotional outburst was witnessed by some members of the West Point Youth Football and Cheer Association. “I’ve always had a place in my heart for special needs kids,” said president of the group, Mike Wells.
“When we found out that Tyler wanted to run a touchdown, I told his mother that I would make this happen,” said Wells.
When the big night came, Tyler left his mom at the sidelines and, wearing his new maroon and white, #16 Warrior’s jersey and his helmet, he took the field to applause from both sides.
“I had spoken to the coach of the opposing team, the Cullman Cyclones, and they all wanted to be a part of this special event,” Wells explained.
Because the officers wanted Tyler to have the best possible experience, they had given him the T-shirt, jersey and the loan of an extra helmet, but when Tyler refused to take the head gear off, they decided to give that to him as well. He was ecstatic!
The other Warriors (ages 9-11 years) the cheerleaders, referees and other people along the sidelines, cheered and yelled Tyler’s name. Over the loudspeaker came the announcement that “Honorary Warrior, Tyler Branon had taken the field to make a special play.” He even got to huddle with the team.
When Tyler, with Hunter alongside him, crossed the goal line, the crowd went wild. Players, cheerleaders and officials were in tears, as was the crowd on both sides of the bleachers.
“This was a personal, once in a lifetime experience,” said Wells. “To stand there and see that many adults and kids with happy tears in their eyes was a sensational feeling.”
Equipment manager for the West Point youth team, Jeremy Kilgore, remarked about the swell of emotions in the stadium. “After Tyler scored the music for the Braves Tomahawk song came on, everyone waved and did the tomahawk chop,” said Kilgore.
“Our whole family has been blessed by this happening for him, it made his dreams come true,” said Christina.
Everyone agrees that this is the way youth football should be…
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