Football player and little girl in iconic East-West Shrine Bowl logo reunite 50 years later

The 100th annual East-West Shrine Bowl is set to take place Thursday at AT&T Stadium, showcasing some of the finest college football talent in the nation. This game not only serves as a platform for players to attract the attention of NFL scouts ahead of the draft, but it also presents an opportunity for these athletes to make a meaningful impact in the lives of children in need.

A poignant image associated with the East-West Shrine Bowl features a football player holding hands with a little girl, symbolizing hope and connection. This girl, Nicole Urteaga, recalls her experience as a two-year-old in the hospital during the 1974 game, where she met Mike Esposito, a player who would forever change her life. "He's like my knight in shining armor. Here I am, a child that was scared out of my mind," she reflects on that significant moment.

Esposito, who was the all-time leading rusher for Boston College at the time, vividly remembers seeing Nicole's fearful eyes and responding with compassion. Inspired by her distress, he and his wife decided to take her for a walk to ease her anxiety. "We picked her up; I could feel her relax. We took her down the hallway, me and her just walked down the hallway and she was happy to get away from the crowd," he recalls.

The moment they shared led to a famous photograph that has served as a source of inspiration for numerous families and children across the country. The connection between Nicole and Mike is a testament to the power of kindness and the profound impact a simple act can have. "We didn't know they were doing it; we were just walking to make her feel better. That's how the picture happened," Esposito adds.

Both Nicole and Mike express their gratitude for being part of something greater than themselves. They hope that their story can inspire others and make a difference for children facing challenges. "We're just so happy that we could do something that will help another child. That's all we care about," says Esposito, emphasizing the enduring bond formed during that life-changing encounter.