Heartwarming Family Experience at Neyland Stadium as Young Boy with Autism Enjoys First Football Game

Heartwarming Family Moment at Neyland Stadium in Knoxville

KNOXVILLE, Tenn. — There’s nothing quite like the thrill of a football game at Neyland Stadium, where the energy is contagious, and the fans are utterly devoted. Recently, one special moment stood out among the jubilant crowd when a young boy named Braylon Burnett attended his very first Tennessee Volunteers football game. With over 100,000 roaring fans around him, Braylon and his family’s experience has warmed the hearts of many.

First-Time Fan Experience

Braylon, who is 14 years old and has Autism, had always been a big football fan. His family, especially his mother, Katrina Burnett, had often talked about taking him to a game. However, they were concerned about how overwhelming the experience might be with the loud noises and big crowds. Last Saturday changed everything when they finally decided it was time for Braylon to see a UT game in person.

“We thought the timing was right, especially since Braylon had been asking about it,” Katrina shared. “We just wanted to make it special.” The day of the game, Braylon’s dad received tickets as a surprise from his boss. The family decided to keep it under wraps until they arrived at the stadium.

A Memorable Surprise

Interestingly, many families can relate to this surprise! Upon arriving at Neyland Stadium, Braylon found himself a bit confused. When they showed him the tickets, he read them and asked, “Ok, Tennessee vs. Florida?” Not fully understanding what it all meant until they settled into their seats.

“I thought there was going to be a lot of people that were really loud,” Braylon recounted, “but all that changed as the game went on.” As the Vols began scoring and the crowd erupted with cheers, something magical happened. “I’ve never seen him laugh so hard and just giggle in my life,” Katrina said, her emotions evident. “It’s a moment I’ll cherish forever.”

A Day of Joy and Excitement

Braylon couldn’t hold back his happiness during the game, saying, “I was very happy! I couldn’t stop being happy and stuff.” His pure joy was a sight to behold. By the time the game ended, his mind was already buzzing with excitement, as he eagerly asked, “When can we go again?”

Going Viral

What made Braylon’s day even more special was the heartwarming online reaction. Katrina shared clips from their day on TikTok, and they quickly gained a lot of attention. “It made me super happy,” Braylon said about the overwhelming support. “I wasn’t expecting the football players to comment on my mom’s post!”

Katrina reflected on the experience, noting how beautiful it was to see so much positivity in the comments. “There wasn’t a single negative thing said. It really touched my heart,” she explained. Many other parents who resonated with their story expressed excitement about taking their kids to their first game as well.

Football: A Family Tradition

While it may have been Braylon’s first game in person, football has always played a significant role in the Burnett household. Like many kids in Tennessee, Braylon knows the fight song “Rocky Top” by heart and enjoyed singing it proudly throughout the day. It’s not just a game in Knoxville; it’s a tradition, a shared experience, and a whole lot of fun.

Braylon’s joyful experience at Neyland Stadium isn’t just a story of a young boy watching a game; it’s a celebration of family, connection, and the magic that happens when we step outside our comfort zones. Here’s to many more games and unforgettable memories for Braylon and his family!