World Autism Awareness Day: Seahawks Fan's Journey with Autism and Their Unforgettable Gameday Experience

For World Autism Awareness Day, the Seahawks are spotlighting Jackson Goerke and Gianni Berry's experience visiting the Seahawks this past season.

Apr 02, 2025 at 09:06 AM

Seahawks.com

What was your favorite part of your visit to the Seahawks?

Jackson "My favorite part of my visit with the Seahawks was my game day experience. It was a dream come true to be on the sidelines and seeing the team up close! I loved it so much, we made the picture [we took at the game] our family Christmas card! I felt special getting to meet coach Macdonald. He was very kind to me and made me feel welcome. All the Seahawks we met were so kind and welcoming it really felt like home."

Gianni "To be able to see where players practice and study the playbook for the upcoming game. Meeting with the general manager of the Seahawks and having a good view of the 200,000 square foot waterfront of Lake Washington on a nice day."

Being from North Carolina, why are the Seahawks your favorite team? How long have you been a fan?

Jackson "The Seahawks are my favorite team because I love Seattle. My family has friends that live there and they are like my family. The Seahawks bring me so much joy to watch each week and I love their friendly atmosphere. Also, they have the coolest uniforms in the league."

Gianni "The reason the Seahawks are my favorite team is because of Russell Wilson. I started out to be a fan of his and then eventually slowly became a full time fan. I love how the logo reflects on Northwest Native American culture making it unique from all of the others. Since some of my family lives in Seattle it wasn't hard to be one. As an Iowa boy, being a Seahawks fan is hard especially when you are the only one in the whole state. It's been about 12 years since I became a 12 and I haven't turned back the clock."

What was your experience like during your visit to the Seahawks?

Jackson "My experience in Ben's Room was great my whole family enjoyed it! It is a special place that feels warm and welcoming. I think the Seahawks are amazing for creating this space because it has cool activities and has a quiet place if you need to take a quiet break. There are headphones available if you need them, but I REALLY loved the noise and joining in. Thank you for thinking of all your fans! I want to add the Seahawks have a special family that I am honored to be a part of. They are not only a winning organization with loads of talent, they are winning in life and providing an experience that fans feel loved and accepted in a time when we all really need that. So, thank you Seahawks. I'm a fan for life. GO HAWKS!"

Gianni "It was a great opportunity for me and my family to go to a place where it happened. To witness the first Vince Lombardi Trophy in franchise history was a great experience. I got to feel what it's like to be a true Seahawk."

What did you think of Ben's Room (sensory room) at the stadium do you think a room like that will help others with autism enjoy the experience when at a game?

Gianni "I think Ben's Room does help autism to feel the experience of the game without being in the stadium itself. Since Lumen Field is one of the loudest stadiums in the NFL. It will help people with autism like me that have noise sensitivity and feel overwhelmed by a large crowd. This is a big step forward to create a better and safe environment for us and hope others will follow suit."

You have a sports podcast; can you tell me about your podcast?

Jackson "I have a sports podcast called Goodguys Sports. We are on every Thursday with the help of my brother, Blake, and special guests and family. It started when I got sick and had to leave my college program. My professor Dr. Lineberger came up with the idea for me to stay in touch with sports and the community. Thanks to the Seahawks, we have been able to report on some very cool stories and have gained many listeners. We only promote positive stories and try to showcase inclusion and acceptance with our guests and listeners! We have a website goodguyssportstalk.com where you can learn more."