The Stony Brook University football team is made up of big guys who look like they were built perfectly to play the game. This is why 13-year-old Milo Nicholson from East Setauket stands out on their sideline. But that's OK with him.

"Being here is my favorite thing in life," said Nicholson.

Nicholson admits sports were never exactly his thing. He said he's more of a book reader and video game player. That's because Nicholson was born with spina bifida. His spinal cord didn't fully form at birth and he's had multiple surgeries to correct it.

"Stuff is just harder for me," he said.

Thanks to years of physical therapy, Nicholson walks with the help of braces on his lower leg and a bit of a limp. But that didn't stop him from joining the Stony Brook squad in July through "Team Impact.” It's a group that pairs kids with disabilities with college teams.

"I thought I'd go to the games and a practice or two. Maybe a once-a-week thing," said Nicholson about his expectations when he "signed" with the Seawolves.

But the Seawolves had bigger plans for the teen. He was invited to practices, team meetings, film sessions and flew on the team charter to their first game in West Virginia.

"We were like, ‘Hey, we want you to be here and be part of that team,’" said long snapper Trey Wallman. "’So anything you can do to help us, just go out and do it.’"

So Nicholson became the Seawolves inspirational leader on the sideline.

"I've had times where I'm not happy with the way I'm playing and he's like, 'Man you're doing a great job. You're doing awesome.' And he brings me back" said punter Clayton Taylor.

"Even if we're playing Alabama he'd think we’re winning no matter what," said Wallman.

Stony Brook punter Anthony Pecorella has helped inspire Nicholson. Pecorella was diagnosed and beat blood cancer last year. So he has a lot of respect for the fight Nicholson goes through and knows what it's like when "people think you're different."

"He goes through hell every day. So what if you're different? We're all different. God made us in his image. There's a reason why he diagnosed me with cancer and [Nicholson] with spina bifida. The thing I always say is ‘Don't let it define you, let it drive you,’" Pecorella told News12's Kevin Maher.

It's words like that and the Seawollves’ encouragement that make Nicholson feel like a member of the squad. He said that when he's with the team, it's almost like his disability disappears.

"Sometimes I forget I even have it because it takes my mind off everything and I can just be me," said Nicholson, who wears a #11 Stony Brook jersey since that's his favorite number.

The Seawolves say they're just trying to show a bit of love for Nicholson. That's why they will text him and wish him good luck in school and at his doctor's appointments. It's why Nicholson will wish them good luck before games and check in if they're injured.

And thanks to their love, encouragement and friendship, Nicholson says he's a "Seawolf for life."