Bullies now have to think twice before targeting 9-year-old Andrew Oyston, an elementary school student from Huntley, Ill., thanks to Chicago Bears offensive lineman Kyle Long.
Andrew’s father, Frank, reached out to Long in early April on Twitter, sharing the story of his son’s travails on the school bus:
@Ky1eLong quick question. My son is being teased on the school bus and being called all sorts of names.
-- frank oyston (@Frankoyston) April 8, 2014
@Ky1eLong Is there any chance he could meet you when you get back in town and have a talk to you.He is a huge fan it would make his day
-- frank oyston (@Frankoyston) April 8, 2014
Long replied less than 20 minutes after Frank reached out to him:
"@Frankoyston: @Ky1eLong quick question. My son is being teased on the school bus and being called all sorts of names.” I’ll ride bus w him
-- Kyle Long (@Ky1eLong) April 8, 2014
"@Frankoyston: @Ky1eLong wow are you serious” I mean if I could get permission to it would be cool! I was bullied on the bus as well...
-- Kyle Long (@Ky1eLong) April 8, 2014
“Initially I just saw a dad that was in a tough spot with a kid that was obviously going through some things,” Long told ESPN Chicago this past Monday. “As somebody that didn’t have the best elementary and middle school experience, I can relate a lot to what Andrew is going through. I didn’t know his specific situation, but the riding of the bus deal was kind of tough for me as well [as a child].”
Though riding the bus never came to fruition, Long and Andrew’s father traded direct messages on Twitter for nearly a month, per FOX Sports, before settling on a date on which Long could come and meet Andrew. And thus, this past Saturday, Long made an appearance at a birthday party for Andrew’s sister at Chuck E. Cheese.
Stackin tickets with my man Andrew pic.twitter.com/4cMHcDNQQ2
-- Kyle Long (@Ky1eLong) May 3, 2014
Another picture of me and Andrew at Chuck E Cheese.... This was our “KenChuckE Derby” pose pic.twitter.com/YIyRGx4060
-- Kyle Long (@Ky1eLong) May 5, 2014
Andrew’s father, Frank, told ESPN Chicago that Long came back with the family to their house at the conclusion of the party, volunteering to go in their backyard and throw a football around. “That was the kids’ favorite part,” Frank said.
“There was no point and time when we sat down and had a serious conversation,” Long told ESPN Chicago, referring to Andrew. “He just needed somebody to hang out with and have a strong male presence, like an older brother-type deal. If that’s the role that needs to be played, I have no problem with that. He’s a really great kid.”
Long’s generosity is earning some well-deserved praise. The