It’s one thing to meet a celebrity, but for 11-year-old Pflugerville resident Audrey Soape, Philadelphia Eagles defensive back Anthony Harris is more than just that.
The 30-year-old Harris proved that not all heroes wear capes when he escorted Audrey to her school’s daddy-daughter dance earlier this month.
“[I’m] just trying to be a human," Harris told Philadelphia NBC affiliate WCAU. "Trying to take off the helmet, trying to take off the cape of what I do professionally and just show some sympathy for that family and try to show some support there."
Last year was the toughest in Audrey’s life as she lost both her father and her grandfather.
As the dance approached, Audrey's mother, Holly, took matters into her own hands to make sure her daughter still went.
She contacted Harris, the NFL's co-leader in interceptions in the 2019 season, through social media, Philadelphia ABC affiliate WPVI reported.
Thinking it was impossible, Holly was pleasantly surprised when he replied and granted the request.
"It's kind of far-fetched...it's a big ask," Holly told the station. "I just asked if he would come, if he'd be willing to come. And he said, 'Not only will I come, I want to make sure she feels like a princess.'"
Harris's Eagles had already been eliminated from the NFL playoffs by that time.
Not only did Harris serve as Audrey's escort but he covered everything from transportation to her makeup, WPVI reported.
Holly said a vehicle provided by Harris picked up Audrey from their house.
Audrey's brother, Jackson, who's also a fan of Harris, had the chance to chat up the former Virginia product.
The family have been fans since he was with the Minnesota Vikings.
Based on images and clips from the dance, both Harris and Audrey had a blast.
"I was very happy, and I also felt very special because not a lot of stuff happened to people like this, and especially me," Audrey said, WPVI reported.
For Holly, Harris's heartwarming gesture showed that even in times of tragedy, triumph shines through.
"We would all do anything for our kids when we see them suffering," she told the station. "To know that there are people out there who will also help be there for your kids and for you, it's really encouraging for me, and it's sort of turned this horrible tragedy into sort of this triumphant moment."