University of Hawaii quarterback Bryant Moniz is a hero to many island youngsters. This week the talented signal-caller showed he has a heart of gold as well. Moniz has had a full plate this week as he and his Warriors prepare for the Sheraton Hawaii Bowl.
"Hello we have a surprise for you," said Trini Kapouiki.
But despite his hectic schedule there was something he needed to do before the Christmas Eve bowl game.
"What's up guys, you guys know who I am? Yeah," said Moniz who made a surprise visit to a Moiliili family and he came with gifts.
"We have some tickets for you guys come to our game on Christmas Eve we have 1,2,3 - 5 tickets for you guys."
Five tickets to the big game against Tulsa. The boys were moved to tears. Mom was at work at the time of the visit. She is a single parent, raising four children in a two-bedroom apartment.
"We have like what we need like we don't ask for anything more it's just like what we have is good," said Ashlynn.
Moniz heard about their story while watching KHON2 News and emailed our Trini Kaopuiki asking what he could do. Their story had struck a nerve. Trini set up the meeting, Moniz did the rest.
"They mentioned that they're UH fans and I thought what better to than to see what I could do to for the family and be a part in helping them out in the Christmas time and this time of giving," said Moniz.
"Happy, never been to a bowl before," said 13-year-old Antonio who was overwhelmed by the chance to meet his hero. "When I saw Colt Brennan he was pretty good but then when he started playing I thought he was better because he's better at rushing and scrambling."
For a brief moment you forget Moniz is a football star.
"What positions do you guys play? Line, O-line or d-line/ Both , both, wow!"
It was a different side to the fierce competitor, the side his two-year-old daughter sees. On this day he played the role of Santa, autographing footballs, hats and t-shirts.
"I'm going to wear it to the Sheraton Bowl," said Alden.
And making dreams come true.
"I think I get as much out of it as they do and I'm just glad I could be a part of their Christmas," said Moniz. "1,2,3, nice. It's special for me to be here."
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