Kyle Rudolph Surprises 7-Year-Old Cancer Survivor

[Viktor]

During his conversation with Rudolph, Haakyn was asked why No. 82 is his favorite Viking.


"Because you're a redhead – and you're tall like I'm going to be," laughed the youngster with freckles and vibrant red locks.


"You just have to make sure you get a lot of sleep," Rudolph told Haakyn. "And I tell people that my secret was, I loved cereal, so I was always eating cereal – breakfast, dinnertime, it didn't matter what time of the day. I ate a lot of cereal, and I slept a lot."


Although Haakyn hasn't quite filled out his Rudolph jersey yet, he flexed his biceps to demonstrate "Haakyn strong," a mantra Haakyn and his family adopted during dark days of cancer treatments.


"That's pretty strong," Rudolph said, nodding in approval. "I think you've got a chance if you want to play tight end in the NFL."


But Rudolph's 6-foot-6 frame isn't the only reason Haakyn looks up to him. To the young cancer survivor, Rudolph is a hero.


Haakyn recently told his parents, Ryan and Tory, that he wants to play in the NFL so he can bring his teammates to a children's hospital, sign footballs and make young patients smile – just like Rudolph.


"You totally make a difference," Tory told Rudolph. "And these kids love you for it."


Rudolph has made an impact on Haakyn, his parents and his older brothers, Brodie and Maverick, through his consistent support of children facing significant medical challenges and their families.


Much more impressive to the Mohrs than Rudolph's 48 career touchdowns is his ongoing commitment to the University of Minnesota Masonic Children's Hospital and partnership with the American Cancer Society to raise awareness for pediatric cancers.


The 30-year-old tight end shared with Haakyn and his family about his younger brother, Casey, who battled – and survived – cancer as an infant.


"Through all of our experiences at the hospital, when my wife and I visit, and we get to meet patients, and we get to meet their family, I immediately see myself in the siblings. I immediately see my younger brother in the patients. I immediately see my parents in the parents of the patients," Rudolph said. "We know exactly what you guys have gone through, and that's part of the reason why we do what we do, and we try to support both the patients and the families."


Tory assured Rudolph that his work makes a difference.


"We hang onto your story more than you know," Tory said. "I think [Brodie and Maverick] look up to you for that exact reason, because they unfortunately do remember what it felt like to sit in the hospital for recovery and all those [times]. We just really appreciate you sharing those stories, because these kids notice."


Rudolph, who once again is playing an active role in the NFL's Crucial Catch campaign, invited Haakyn and his family to a future game at U.S. Bank Stadium.