Florida State WR Travis Rudolph Joins Autistic Middle Schooler For Lunch

This time next year, Florida State wide receiver Travis Rudolph may very well be on an NFL roster. But earlier this week, he ate lunch in a middle school cafeteria, and for good reason.

Rudolph was part of a group of Seminoles visiting a local school when the West Palm Beach native came upon Bo Paske, a student with autism, sitting by himself at lunch. Rudolph grabbed a couple slices of pizza and dined across from the boy.

Paske's mother, Leah, summed up the moment in an emotional Facebook post:

Here's the full text:

Several times lately I have tried to remember my time in middle school, did I like all my teachers, do I even remember them? Did I have many friends? Did I sit with anyone at lunch? Just how mean were kids really? I remember one kid on the bus called me "Tammy Fay Baker" bc I started awkwardly wearing eye liner in the sixth grade, I remember being tough and calling him a silly name back, but when he couldn't see me anymore I cried. I do remember middle school being scary, and hard. Now that I have a child starting middle school, I have feelings of anxiety for him, and they can be overwhelming if I let them. Sometimes I'm grateful for his autism. That may sound like a terrible thing to say, but in some ways I think, I hope, it shields him. He doesn't seem to notice when people stare at him when he flaps his hands. He doesn't seem to notice that he doesn't get invited to birthday parties anymore. And he doesn't seem to mind if he eats lunch alone. It's one of my daily questions for him. Was there a time today you felt sad? Who did you eat lunch with today? Sometimes the answer is a classmate, but most days it's nobody. Those are the days I feel sad for him, but he doesn't seem to mind. He is a super sweet child, who always has a smile and hug for everyone he meets. A friend of mine sent this beautiful picture to me today and when I saw it with the caption "Travis Rudolph is eating lunch with your son" I replied "who is that?" He said "FSU football player", then I had tears streaming down my face. Travis Rudolph, a wide receiver at Florida State, and several other FSU players visited my sons school today. I'm not sure what exactly made this incredibly kind man share a lunch table with my son, but I'm happy to say that it will not soon be forgotten. This is one day I didn't have to worry if my sweet boy ate lunch alone, because he sat across from someone who is a hero in many eyes. Travis Rudolph thank you so much, you made this momma exceedingly happy, and have made us fans for life! #travisrudolph #gonoles #FSU #autismmom #fansforlife

On Tuesday evening, Florida State media caught on to the story and Rudolph explained his humble act.

Paske shared a video from the Tallahassee Democrat featuring Rudolph talking about the encounter. "We had great conversation," he said.