Colts Cheerleader Morgan Bridges Communication Gap with Deaf Fan at Lucas Oil Stadium
Mark Ochoa attended his first NFL game at Lucas Oil Stadium wearing his favorite Jonathan Taylor jersey. Mark, who is deaf, recently moved to Indianapolis with his mom to attend the Indiana School for the Deaf. His mom posted on TikTok asking for field passes so Mark could meet the team. The Colts organization saw the post and arranged for Mark to get field passes to meet the players and Colts cheerleader Morgan, who knows American Sign Language. Morgan, a doctorate student in occupational therapy at IU Indy, connected with Mark on the field using ASL, creating a heartwarming moment that went viral.
At the game, Mark and Morgan communicated using sign language, discussing the players warming up and sharing a special moment. Morgan's ability to communicate with Mark in his language made the experience unforgettable for him. Since the encounter, Morgan has received messages from around the world, thanking her for promoting inclusivity and accessibility in sports and the Deaf community. The video of her and Mark on TikTok has garnered over a million views, sparking a larger discussion on the importance of inclusion.
Morgan's passion for ASL began during her time at Indiana University, where she majored in exercise science and minored in ASL. She fell in love with dancing for the Hoosiers football team and later pursued her dream of becoming a Colts cheerleader. Morgan's background in ASL and dance has allowed her to connect with individuals like Mark and make a positive impact through her role as a Colts cheerleader. She emphasizes the importance of proper interpretation for those who need it and highlights the significance of inclusivity in her work beyond just dancing.