It was far different from any fall Saturday, but it was equally as special for some members of the Penn State football team who were able to make dreams come true for 25 Make-A-Wish families.

As part of the event, several players showed families around the Lasch Building, allowed kids to try on their uniforms while posing for pictures, and even forgave them for stepping on the sacred “S” in the locker room.

After things concluded, a few players were made available to the media including tight end Kyle Carter and running back Zach Zwinak along with cornerback Adrian Amos, and offensive lineman John Urschel who all expressed what this day meant to them.

“We don’t have time to be on committees or dance [in THON], so this is our way of giving back,” said a grateful Zwinak, who spent the day with an 8-year old boy.

“I love kids,” said Carter who considers today a chance to take a step back from sanctions, 5 a.m. offseason workouts and other components of being a Nittany Lion football player. While THON weekend festivities allow children an escape from reality, this afternoon also allowed some student-athletes to once again feel like kids.

Carter, who was still wearing a cast on his right wrist after injuring it late in the season and missing the final two games, declined football related questions for the day wanting to keep the focus on the kids, but even inquiries about the day could not last too long.

There was more on the agenda including Athlete Hour taking place at the Bryce Jordan Center right now and supporting the freshmen in their pep rally dance later tonight.