Jacob proposes to Michael at Center Court
Last Friday night (Dec. 9), I posted this blog about a man surprising his partner by proposing at center court during a break in play in the NBA game between the Chicago Bulls and the San Antonio Spurs, at Chicago’s United Center. It started with Benny, the Bulls mascot, pulling Michael out onto the court to dance along with the Bulls Cheerleaders, turning Michael’s back to the court as the cheerleaders formed an aisle for Jacob. When Michael turned around, Jacob walked to him, dropped to one knee and presented him with a candy “ring pop” as he popped the question.
Watch the video below.
Today, I got this note from Jacob Conrad, the young man who got engaged to Michael at center court, telling a little more of their story, and offering some truly heartfelt gratitude to the Chicago Bulls organization:
Thank you, Tammye, for the kind posting of our engagement. It still feels like a fairytale. Here we were at the Chicago Bulls game because of an organization that we have always deeply admired, and they took a giant step towards inclusion, acceptance, and equality putting together an unbelievably special moment in front of 21,000 people. The Chicago Bulls offered Michael and me a lifetime memory, but what they offered the LGBTQ community is an opportunity to experience love fully, equally, without shame, and without compromise. During a time like we all must realize how fortunate we are to live in a society that embraces us and has shared this moment with us. Thank you for your kindness and support. It has been amazing to see how many people care! We are touched by the fabulous work of the Chicago Bulls and those that have shared our moment. It is incredible to think that just 3 years ago, Michael had never been to a gay bar and hadn’t even been on one single date!! Now he has been viewed breaking it down with Benny-the-Bull by over a million people!
