As the 100th annual East-West Shrine Bowl kicks off at AT&T Stadium in North Texas, football fans and players are celebrating more than just the game.
The event also brought a heartfelt reunion between the two people featured in the iconic Shrine Bowl logo—a football player and a little girl holding hands.
Fifty years after that memorable moment, they reunited to reflect on the image that has inspired hope for children and families across the country.
The Story Behind the Iconic Logo
If you’re familiar with the Shrine Bowl, you’ve likely seen the logo: a football player gently holding the hand of a young girl as they walk down a corridor.
The story behind that touching image began during the 1974 East-West Shrine Bowl, when Nicole Urteaga, then just 2 years old, met Mike Esposito, a college football star and the all-time leading rusher for Boston College.
“I’m the little girl in the logo of the East-West Shrine game,” Urteaga revealed. “He’s like my knight in shining armor. Here I am, a child that was scared out of my mind.”
At the time, Urteaga was in the hospital, battling medical challenges and struggling to walk and use her hands. Her fear and anxiety were eased when she met Esposito, a 22-year-old football player visiting the hospital as part of the Shrine Bowl’s tradition of connecting players with children in need.
A Walk That Became a Symbol of Hope
Recalling their first meeting, Esposito described the instant connection he felt with the young girl. “I could see her beautiful eyes—she was scared,” he said. Unsure of what to do, he asked his wife, who suggested, “Let’s take her out for a walk.”
“We picked her up, and I could feel her relax,” Esposito said. “We took her down the hallway, and she was happy to get away from the crowd.”
Unbeknownst to them, a photographer captured the tender moment, creating the image that would become a symbol of hope and compassion for children and families facing challenges.
“We didn’t know they were doing it,” Esposito explained. “We were just walking to make her feel better. That’s how the picture happened.”
Reunion After 50 Years: Reflecting on Their Legacy
The 2025 reunion brought an emotional reflection for both Esposito and Urteaga as they saw each other again after five decades. For both, the memory of that day remained vivid.
Urteaga described Esposito as “a kind soul” who helped calm her during a difficult time. Meanwhile, Esposito emphasized how meaningful it is that their simple act has brought comfort to others.
“Nicole and I were just talking about it,” Esposito said. “We’re just so happy that we could do something that will help another child. That’s all we care about. If we happen to be the vehicle that helps them, so be it.”
The Lasting Impact of the Shrine Bowl Tradition
The East-West Shrine Bowl has a long-standing tradition of supporting children through the Shriners Hospitals for Children, which provide medical care to children with orthopedic conditions, burns, spinal cord injuries, and other health issues.
The iconic logo featuring Esposito and Urteaga continues to embody the mission of the game: using football as a platform to inspire hope and give back to children in need.
As the Shrine Bowl celebrates its 100th anniversary, the reunion serves as a reminder of the game’s broader purpose. “It’s not just about football,” Urteaga said. “It’s about the children who benefit from the compassion and support this event brings.”
The reunion of Mike Esposito and Nicole Urteaga highlights the enduring power of a simple act of kindness. What began as a walk to calm a frightened child has grown into a legacy of hope, inspiring countless families through the Shrine Bowl’s mission.
As the event continues to connect athletes with children in need, the iconic image of a football player and a little girl holding hands remains a powerful symbol of compassion and healing.