AUSTIN, Texas — University of Texas quarterback Arch Manning and two of his offensive linemen spent Sunday morning surprising newborns and former NICU patients at St. David’s Medical Center.
Manning, along with linemen Dylan Sikorski and Jackson Christian, visited newborns in the hospital’s Level IV Maternal Care Center, handing out onesies reading “Born at St. David’s. Born to be a Longhorn.”
A newborn wrapped in a hospital blanket rests beside a “Born at St. David’s. Born to be a Longhorn.” onesie. (Photo: St. David’s HealthCare)
The players then spent the morning playing games and tossing a football with children previously treated in the hospital’s Level IV Neonatal Intensive Care Unit and their families.
Manning said the chance to reconnect with children who had been in the NICU made the event especially rewarding.
“Anytime you can give back to the community and meet people throughout Austin, it’s been a blessing,” Manning said. “And we’re just glad to be here.”
Arch Manning plays catch with young NICU graduates during the block party at St. David’s Medical Center. (Photo: St. David’s HealthCare)
Michael Escamilla, whose son Salem graduated from the hospital’s NICU, said the team’s visit was fun.
“When you’re in the NICU, you just hope for days like this,” Escamilla said. “We love meeting the football players, playing games.”
Dylan Sikorski (left) and Jackson Christian (right) pose with Michael Escamilla, his son Salem and family members during the block party celebrating St. David’s NICU graduates. (Photo: St. David’s HealthCare)
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