The Littlest Predator
May 18, 2005 - Arena Football League (1987-2008) (AFL I)
Orlando Predators News Release
ORLANDO, Fla. (May 18, 2005) -- Twelve-year-old Michael Padilla loves the Predators. So much so, that when asked by the "Wish Department" of New Hope For Kids Foundation what his all-time dream was, he said it was to "meet the Orlando Predators football team."
On Wednesday, that dream came true as Michael was a special guest of the team. He watched practice, met all the players individually, collected autographs and was even "interviewed" by Predators wide receiver Cory Fleming as WKMG cameraman Tee Taylor filmed the events.
"This so cool. This is the best day of my life. I want to play wide receiver for the Predators," Michael whispered to Fleming. "That's good, but I just don't want you stealing my job, at least not yet," Fleming replied.
The highlight of the day came at the end of practice when Orlando Predators Head Coach Jay Gruden called for one more play from the five-yard line and inserted Michael at wide receiver. "Z-28-Fade," quarterback Joe Hamilton barked out. "You know where you're going, right?"
With a little instruction, Michael ran a perfect fade pattern past jack linebacker Jerrian James, turned to the inside and leapt high in the air to pull down the pass from Hamilton for a touchdown. WR/LB Justin Skaggs and WR/DB Michael Brown had Michael spike the ball before lifting the triumphant youngster into the air to the howls and delight of the entire Predators team. "That play deserves a game ball," Gruden said while presenting an official AFL ball to the excited youngster. "Here, you can grow into these," offensive specialist Jimmy Fryzel said as he handed Michael his gloves.
Following practice, there were more autographs and "high-fives" before Fleming, Gruden and Fryzel presented the youngster a new Sony PSP gaming system as a gift from the team.
The visit was arranged by the Orlando Predators Foundation, responding to a request from the New Hope for Kids Foundation, which provides services to children with life-threatening illnesses. As part of the event, the Orlando Predators Foundations has arranged for limousines to transport Michael and 24 of his friends and family to the Orlando Predators vs. New Orleans VooDoo game on Sunday, May 22. The Predators Foundation will present Michael with a $1,500 shopping spree at his favorite stores during Sunday's game and Coach Gruden invited him to join the players and coaches on the sideline during pre-game.
"Everyone kept thanking us," Fleming said. "When in reality we should be thanking Michael. He brought us a lot of joy and smiles today."
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