Clemson Tiger’s head coach, Dabo Swinney, has gifted one of his team members with two tickets to the biggest sporting event of the year — Super Bowl LIII. David Saville, who has Down syndrome, works as the team’s equipment manager. In a touching video posted to the Tiger’s Twitter account, Coach Swinney gathers his team together and delivers some beautiful words before presenting the prized tickets.
“You do so much for this team,” Swinney said in the video. “The joy you bring every day. The perspective. How hard you work. You are one of the hardest workers we got around here. We all love you, so we got a special gift for you.”
“I don’t know if you are interested,” he continued. “I know you are busy. But the NFL has presented you with two Super Bowl tickets to the Super Bowl this year.”
MUST-SEE || Coach Swinney surprises our man David Saville with TWO TICKETS TO THE @SUPERBOWL!!! 😄😄😄 #ClemsonFamily pic.twitter.com/Z5EERJLGx6
— Clemson Football (@ClemsonFB) January 31, 2019
As you can imagine, Saville was absolutely thrilled with the unexpected gift, immediately calling his “Pops” to give him the good news.
“I got two Super Bowl tickets,” he said.
“Super Bowl tickets??” his dad asked inquisitively.
“Yeah,” Saville replied.
“Where’d you get those?!” Pops quizzed.
“Dabo Swinney gave them to me,” David casually replied.
“Oh my gosh!” his dad exclaimed, much to the delight of the young man, who had a beaming smile across his face.
According to CBS Sports, Saville first got involved with the team through the school’s “ClemsonLIFE” program, which helps equip students with special needs to live independently and achieve employment.
“He’s there every single day. He takes unbelievable pride in his job, and he’s a part of our team. He’s got the sweetest spirit,” Swinney said, according to the Lejeune Foundation.
Many people commented on the video, expressing their delight at Swinney’s kind gift.
“This actually made me cry!” one person wrote on Twitter. “I have a 21 year old son who has Downs. People who embrace these remarkable people, taking the time to get to know them and be a part of their lives, are hero’s in my book! This is absolutely amazing!!!”
What an amazing moment, and a wonderful gesture that epitomizes the Tigers’ beautiful team spirit!