MOBILE, Ala. (WPMI) Players in this year's Senior Bowl took some time out of practice to pay a special visit.
Players visited kids at Mobile Infirmary Medical Center to help lift the spirits of little ones in need.
"It makes me feel really good that they actually came," said patient Alex Hayes.
"It feels good to give back and come an visit these people," said Alabama player Justin Lester.
Marshall Thomas III ,11, has down syndrome. He is used to hospital visits for check ups, but his recent visit was unexpected.
Marshall's father, Marshall Thomas Jr,. stated, "Last night he was having problems, complications breathing, keeping his sacs up. And we was up with him all night, and he started throwing up real bad [at] about 4 this morning. So my wife decided we better bring him on to the hospital."
Thomas stated it was rough seeing his son in pain and not knowing what was wrong. Doctors eventually figured out Marshall's sickness was viral. Marshall's parents stated their son's demeanor changed when Senior Bowl players came to visit him.
"He's a great young fellow. Once we came in he smiled, and he was excited to see us," said Georgia player Barrico Rambo.
He added, "Everybody need love these days. They are sick and shut in. So we just want to come in and just show them a lot of love and support and bring a smile to their face."
Thomas said seeing his son happy during a trying time made his day.
"The players you know to take the time to come over is really a blessing and uplifting to us really as parents. We really are inspired by today," said Thomas.
Senior Bowl players visited area schools as well.
