FSU football player joins sixth-grader with autism eating lunch alone

TALLAHASSEE, FL (KTRK) -- One simple act of kindness has made a college football player a "hero" in the eyes of one mother and a viral superstar across the country.

Florida State University wide receiver Travis Randolph was visiting Montford Middle School in Tallahassee when he saw a little boy, sixth-grader, Bo Paske sitting alone in the cafeteria. Paske has autism and often eats lunch alone, according to his mother, Leah. However, when Randolph saw Paske he decided to make a new friend.

Bo's mom, Leah Paske, wrote on Facebook that she was sent a photo of Rudolph eating with her son with the caption, "Travis Rudolph is eating lunch with your son."

Paske wrote that the photo made her emotional.

"I had tears streaming down my face," Paske wrote on Facebook of the photo. "I'm not sure what exactly made this incredibly kind man share a lunch table with my son, but I'm happy to say that it will not soon be forgotten.

Rudolph said in an interview with Florida State's athletic website that he didn't even know Bo had autism.

"I saw him last. He was sitting by himself. I had got some pizza. I asked him can I sit down with him. He said sure why not. We started a great conversation," Rudolph said. "It's just heartbreaking that he's in that situation, but I'm praying for him. He's a great kid overall. I would love to hang out with him anytime."

Paske's Facebook post has been shared more than 11,000 times since it was posted on Tuesday.