Watch: In inspiring moment, Florida State helps fan walk
Florida State ended one of its final pre-Rose Bowl practices Tuesday with an inspiring moment.
Payton Poulin, a 20-year-old sophomore at the school, was born with schizencephaly, a condition similar to cerebral palsy, affecting his muscular development and language skills. But that hasn't stopped him from becoming a huge fan of the Seminoles and a fixture at Florida State practices, according to the Orlando Sentinel.
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On Tuesday, Payton, who stood up for the first time on his own in June, walked 20 to 30 yards with the encouragement and support of Florida State players, held up by quarterback Jameis Winston and defensive end Demarcus Walker.
Florida State head coach Jimbo Fisher said afterwards that Payton is "part of our family."
“It was amazing to see your son, he’s so inspired by this team and so inspired as a person himself to be a better person,” Patrick Poulin, Payton's father, said, according to the Sentinel. “Payton is such an amazing kid and, just, what a great inspiration he is. It’s very emotional for me, I could barely even watch it.”
Florida State meets Oregon in a playoff semifinal at the Rose Bowl at 5:30 p.m. ET on Thursday.
- Ben Estes
