As far as Dallas Cowboys fans go, it's hard to beat the passion that 53 year old Butch Franklin has for the team. He had autographed posters hanging in his apartment until thieves broke in and ripped them off the walls three weeks ago.More heartbreaking is that butch is mentally disabled.
But he has a smile on his face today after some Cowboys players stepped up to make Butch an even bigger fan today.
When Cowboys Linebacker Bradie James heard that someone broke into this man's apartment and stole his Cowboys stuff, he wanted to make sure those empty spaces were filled with new and shiny memorabilia, so he brought a bag full of autographed items to give to his new friend.
"He now has a a mini-helmet, a ball, a jersey and a picture so butch got hooked up today" said James. And his spirit, definitely lifted up after what's been a tough three weeks. "I didn't feel no good" said Butch Franklin who cried after realizing that thieves took his autographed Tony Romo poster.
"He was devastated" said the Mosaic Executive Director Jo Beth Collier, a non profit facility that assists people with disabilities. "I know how important the memorabilia was to Butch. People cherish certain things in their life, and that was one thing that was important to him."
Bradie heard about the story last week and decided to take action. "That's crazy (the robbery) but things happen and when things happen we have to step up and do something positive." James said. "You know you're doing something that can make an impact in someones life positively, it's part of living your purpose." And today that meant making it a good day for Butch.
"It takes a long time to get a lot of memorabilia that he stored up so I just wanted to contribute and add on to his new collection." James said.
Before Bradie left, there was one important matter to take care of. He presented Butch with a #56 jersey to wear, in addition to the Tony Romo jersey he was currently wearing. Butch proceeded to switch to the #56. Butch said with a smile, "Bradie James! Number 56!"
Earlier today, Cowboys Lineman Cory Proctor also paid Butch a surprise visit and autographed and delivered a seat-back from Texas stadium with signatures from fellow linemen Leonard Davis and Mark Columbo. Butch may end up being the most highly decorated Cowboys fan in the Metroplex before the season starts.
Butch's message to the Cowboys who took time out of their busy days allow him to have a good day, "Thank you for everything
But he has a smile on his face today after some Cowboys players stepped up to make Butch an even bigger fan today.
When Cowboys Linebacker Bradie James heard that someone broke into this man's apartment and stole his Cowboys stuff, he wanted to make sure those empty spaces were filled with new and shiny memorabilia, so he brought a bag full of autographed items to give to his new friend.
"He now has a a mini-helmet, a ball, a jersey and a picture so butch got hooked up today" said James. And his spirit, definitely lifted up after what's been a tough three weeks. "I didn't feel no good" said Butch Franklin who cried after realizing that thieves took his autographed Tony Romo poster.
"He was devastated" said the Mosaic Executive Director Jo Beth Collier, a non profit facility that assists people with disabilities. "I know how important the memorabilia was to Butch. People cherish certain things in their life, and that was one thing that was important to him."
Bradie heard about the story last week and decided to take action. "That's crazy (the robbery) but things happen and when things happen we have to step up and do something positive." James said. "You know you're doing something that can make an impact in someones life positively, it's part of living your purpose." And today that meant making it a good day for Butch.
"It takes a long time to get a lot of memorabilia that he stored up so I just wanted to contribute and add on to his new collection." James said.
Before Bradie left, there was one important matter to take care of. He presented Butch with a #56 jersey to wear, in addition to the Tony Romo jersey he was currently wearing. Butch proceeded to switch to the #56. Butch said with a smile, "Bradie James! Number 56!"
Earlier today, Cowboys Lineman Cory Proctor also paid Butch a surprise visit and autographed and delivered a seat-back from Texas stadium with signatures from fellow linemen Leonard Davis and Mark Columbo. Butch may end up being the most highly decorated Cowboys fan in the Metroplex before the season starts.
Butch's message to the Cowboys who took time out of their busy days allow him to have a good day, "Thank you for everything
