Ravens star Steve Smith makes teen’s wish come true by taking her to prom
Apr 12, 2016, 10:21 AM
FILE - In this Aug. 1, 2015, file photo, Baltimore Ravens wide receiver Steve Smith stands on the field during NFL football training camp in Owings Mills, Md. Steve Smith says he will retire at the end of the 2015 season, his 15th in the NFL. The five-time Pro Bowler announced Monday, Aug. 10, 2015, that he will walk away from the game after the second season of a three-year contract with Baltimore. (AP Photo/Patrick Semansky, File)
(AP Photo/Patrick Semansky, File)
Steve Smith is currently a receiver for the Baltimore Ravens, but before that he spent 13 seasons with the Carolina Panthers.
During that time he became one of the most dynamic receivers in the NFL, both because of his play and personality.
But while his on-field exploits have earned him much acclaim, something he recently did away from the game deserves plenty of attention, too.
According to the Gaston Gazette, Smith recently learned it was a dream of 18-year-old Aubrey Bridges — who is autistic — to attend her senior prom with the Pro Bowl receiver.
Upon learning of this, Smith, via a video message through the Dream On 3 organization, asked her to prom.
“Hey, Aubrey. Steve Smith here,” said Smith, in the video, wearing a T-shirt and cap. “I want to know, would you let me take you to the prom?”
On March 25, Dream on 3 Executive Director Elizabeth Lindsey showed Bridges the video at her home in Bessemer City. Bridges excitedly accepted Smith’s request and then danced around the house.
Bridges is understandably excited over spending the big night with one of the all-time great players from her favorite team. And as the Gazette notes, it will all be a deserved celebration for Bridges, who along with autism, has a rare disorder called “Vein of Galen Malformation,” which is an aneurysm that developed in her brain.
However, dealing with the auditory processing delay, speech difficulties and a tic disorder — as well as having suffered from seizures in the past — does not keep her down.
“I think being autistic is cool because it makes me happy and silly,” said Bridges.
