Texas Longhorns

Touching video shows Special Olympics athletes visiting Texas football practice

Published Apr. 14, 2016 2:57 p.m. ET

Aaron Torres

While it's easy for fans to focus strictly on the win-loss record of their favorite teams, what we all sometimes forget is that sports serve a larger purpose than just entertainment. In both college and the pros, the local players are often some of the most prominent members of the community.

We learned that again on Thursday when the University of Texas released a video that was impossible not to enjoy, as several local Special Olympics athletes visited UT football practice earlier this spring.

The smiles on the kids' faces are spectacular.

So, too, is hearing them talk about the experience first-hand.

Of course what's nice to see also, is that as much as the Special Olympics athletes enjoy visiting the players, the players enjoy it just as much, if not more.

Linebacker Dalton Santos chimed in as well.

Texas' spring game is Saturday.

But whatever happens on the field, I'm guessing they've already got some new fans.