Seahawks superfan Zana Gearllach was 10-year-old when she met her NFL hero, wide receiver Steve Largent.
It was 1988, the year Largent was nominated for Walter Payton Man of the Year and the same year he smiled back at fans from Wheaties boxes.
Gearllach arrived with her mother and grandmother at Seattle’s Sea-Tac Airport for a welcome-home party as the Seahawks returned from an away game.
Gearllach waited with a half-empty Wheaties boxes in hand for Largent to sign, but he never came through the airport.
Gearllach said she had hoped to see Largent, but wasn’t sad she didn’t meet him.
While waiting at the airport she spoke with reporters, and the next day Gearllach and her mother were surprised to hear from Seattle media about a heartbroken little girl who missed her chance to meet Largent.
As the story circulated through multiple publications and TV stations, Gearllach’s mother turned away reporters, not wanting to make the Seahawks look bad, she said.
Eventually the team called, wanting the young Seahawks fan to meet with Largent.
Nearly 26 year later, Gearllach tops off her superfan career by attending a Seahawks Super Bowl.
Have a fabulous time, Zana! Cheer loud and proud for our Seahawks for all of us back home!