Bryson's Dream

Meet Bryson

Bryson is a 15-year-old mega sports fan whose passion for the game knows no bounds. A true lover of all sports—especially college football—Bryson has an incredible gift for memorizing player stats and reciting them with ease. Sports have become his happy place, a world where he finds both joy and connection.

Bryson was born in Athens, Georgia, and spent his early years living with his grandmother and aunt before entering foster care. For nearly eight years, Bryson and his younger sister, Maisey (13), have been part of the foster care system. Today, they live with their loving foster parents, Paul and Christy, in Alabama, where they are thriving in a nurturing home filled with encouragement and support. The family is part of the WinShape Homes program, which provides both temporary and permanent placements for foster children across Georgia.

Living with autism, Bryson sometimes finds it challenging to relate to other kids his age or to feel like he truly fits in. But his charm, his quirks, and his unfiltered enthusiasm for sports make him truly unforgettable. When we spoke with Paul and Christy about this upcoming Dream Experience, they shared how life-changing this opportunity is for Bryson and their entire family—calling it the most amazing thing that has ever happened to them.

While Bryson is a die-hard Alabama football fan, his family jokes that he tends to root for whichever team is winning! His upcoming dream of attending SEC Media Days, where he’ll meet top college football coaches and players and visit the College Football Hall of Fame, is truly a dream come true!

Bryson's Dream

Bryson’s Dream kicked off in true VIP fashion as he and the Dream Team gathered together bright and early to receive special credentials and meet their guide for the day — the incredible John Sullen from the SEC. From the very first moment, Bryson and John clicked instantly, forming a fast friendship that carried them through the day.

The first stop on this unforgettable Dream Experience was a front-row seat at the press conference for Alabama’s new head coach, Coach Kalen DeBoer. Bryson not only had a prime view, but he was also brought on stage with Kevin Trainor, who presented both he and Maisy with official SEC pins — a moment that set the tone for a magical day.

Next up was a behind-the-scenes look at the Marty & McGee Show, where Bryson sat at the table and got an inside look at how live TV is produced. The camera crew walked him through changing angles and filming techniques, giving him a whole new appreciation for the world behind the lens.

Then, it was off to the SEC Social Media room, where Bryson met Mississippi State quarterback Blake Shapen. The energy in the room was electric as Blake and others hyped Bryson up and made him feel like the superstar he truly is. He even picked out his own empowering phrase — “Dream it. Do it.” — for the photo wall, and struck pose after pose like a pro.

A major highlight came when Bryson met Alabama standout Kadyn Proctor — who not only took time to pose for photos but also expressed a strong interest in staying involved with Dream On 3. Kadyn, along with Tim Keenan III and Deontae Lawson, showed Bryson the art of the “fit check,” and Bryson was even invited to create his own hologram throwing a touchdown. He lit up when he saw how cool it looked!

The day continued with a delicious lunch at the Omni, followed by a shopping spree at the College Football Hall of Fame store where Bryson and his sister, Maisy picked out souvenirs to remember this Dream day.

As the group waited outside the SEC Media Room, the excitement peaked when Florida quarterback DJ Lagway arrived. DJ made it a point to connect with Bryson, signing his football and creating a core memory that left Bryson beaming from ear to ear.

Special thanks to the SEC — especially Herb Vincent — and the team at the College Football Hall of Fame, including Kolby Davis, Yomand Brown, and more for pulling together this once-in-a-lifetime Dream Experience. The Hall of Fame team went above and beyond, showering Bryson with gifts and a signed football that he proudly carried the rest of the day.

Bryson couldn’t stop smiling and told us again and again — “This was the best day of my life.”

Dream Snapshots