Kentucky coal miner Michael McGuire is one of the rare internet celebrities who became one for all the right reasons. He was simply ready to go above and beyond in order to fulfill a promise made to his son.
McGuire planned to go to a recent Blue & White game at the University of Kentucky with his son but ended up getting stuck at work. Once he finished his shift, he realized that there was not enough time for him to get home and have a shower. So he simply decided not to get one in order to make sure his son gets to watch the entire game.
Being all covered in dirt meant that McGuire would certainly get noticed by the crowd. One internet user shared his photo on Reddit and it quickly gained traction on social media. Everyone who saw the photo was impressed by McGuire’s dedication, including Kentucky Wildcats head coach John Calipari.
The story touched Calipari, whose family has a coal mine history, so he offered McGuire and his family tickets and VIP treatment for the next Wildcats game.
When reached out by The Athletic, McGuire said that Calipari got in touch with him and told him he could pick any home game this season. He and his family will get dinner with coach Cal, meet the players, and then sit courtside for the actual game.
To know that so many people had nice things to say is just amazing,” he shared. “And I never expected to be on the phone talking to Coach Cal.”
