And now comes regular reader Zac with his own contribution:

When WVU senior linebacker J T Thomas was drafted by the Chicago Bears in the sixth round, like many who'd come as far as he had, it was a dream come true. Sixth round status, however, is even farther from any guarantee that he'll make the Bears' roster, than had he been taken in the first round. After it sunk in, all he was thinking was how he was going to prove himself to his prospective new employer. Little did he know how much value he would be to the Bears organization from a public relations standpoint.

The real story begins with Thomas' little brother, Jared, who rode the same school bus with a fellow Chicago Bears fan, Joslyn Levell. Now that JT was at least in some way a part of the Bears, his little brother asked him if he would introduce himself to Ms Levell.

JT did just that. He boarded his brother's bus, after which he was introduced to his first official fan, and he hadn't even hit the practice field, let alone the gridiron. One thing, however, caught JT's attention right away, Joslyn Levell required the use of a wheel chair. She has Spina Bifida, a developmental congenital disorder caused by incomplete closure of the embryonic neural tube. In simpler language, she has a hole in the middle of her back, through which the spinal cord could protrude.

Naturally, Joslyn's condition came up in their conversation. What also came up was the eighth grade prom, an event to which Joslyn hadn't been asked. She even swallowed some pride and showed enough courage to ask some of the boys she knew…only to be turned down.

Taken with her story, as well as her personality in general, JT decided this wouldn't do. Joslyn Levell was going to the prom, and he was going to be her date.

Of course, most twenty-four year old guys don't just stroll up to the front door of a fourteen year old girl and ask them to a dance. Even those who have achieved a modicum of celebrity status don't get away with that. Thomas actually spoke to Joslyn's step-mom and got permission to take her out. With everything in place, it was time to pop the question; i.e. "Will you go to the dance with me?"

Now here's the funny part. For those fortunate enough to witness J T's heroics on the field, one would have to believe he fears no man. Yet, once on the phone, he was actually fearful that Joslyn Levell might turn him down; that the feisty and courageous fourteen year old might have found someone else willing to take her to the dance. As luck would have it, she was still free. Yes, she even accepted his invitation.

As a result of his gesture, not only does his brother Jared have a special appreciation of Ms Levell, but many a class mate who hadn't had time for her before have suddenly found time for her since. What with all that's been going on in college football of late, it's nice to see a story like this for a change of pace.

For those who are wondering, J T Thomas asked Joslyn Levell to her eighth grade prom because he felt it was the right thing to do. He did it because that's the kind of gentleman he is. In his eyes, she was a bright and attractive young lady worthy of being brought to such an event. Her short comings never entered into it; neither did the Chicago Bears, let alone how this would look to their organization. He wasn't doing it as a publicity stunt. After all, he hasn't even made the Bears' roster yet. When it comes time for him to try, however, you can best believe there'll be a few in the front office who'll appreciate his heart off the field, as well as on the field.