Not many girls can say they went to prom with a Super Bowl Champion but thanks to Christine Michael of the Seattle Seahawks, 18 year old Taylor Kirkwood from Baywood, TX can.
People has the full story:
“It was the most magical night of her life,” Kirkwood’s mother, Stacie Holmes, tells PEOPLE. “He was the perfect gentleman. He took her out to dinner before, posed for photos and made the night all about her.”
“I’m just here for Taylor,” Michael, 23, told Houston’s KPRC-TV at Kirkwood’s home on the night of the prom, which was held at Goose Creek Country Club. “It’s a blessing. Like I said, she’s a beautiful kid. I’m very proud of her.”
The date was arranged by Holmes, who reached out to the former Texas A&M running back and asked if he was available to accompany her daughter, who has autism.
“I was just like, we’ll see what happens,” Holmes told the station. “I know he’s busy, and I wasn’t sure if he could.” Holmes later learned that she had a connection to Michael – he went to high school with her cousin about 50 miles away.
For her part, Kirkwood, who also suffered from scoliosis for much of her young life until she had surgery a few years ago, was clearly smitten with her dashing date.
“I think he’s cute,” she told KPRC-TV with a smile.
I think it’s pretty cool for Michael to do this for somebody struggling with autism.