Dad Goes Viral for Hauling His Kids' Football Gear to Practice on the Bus. Then the Internet Rallied to Help (Exclusive)

Roman Valdez — better known as Coach Roman — doesn’t mind taking the bus to get his kids to football practice. But when a TikTok video showing him juggling four kids’ football gear while commuting by bus went viral, reaching over 3 million people, it brought some serious change for the family.

Valdez and his wife, Jennifer Solis, both 32, are parents to six children, including four boys who all play football and two daughters. Valdez has been coaching youth football since his kids started in 6U, a division for children 6 and under.

“He started as the only volunteer holding the chains at every game because some parents didn’t want to volunteer,” Solis tells PEOPLE exclusively. “He used it as a chance to watch the kids up close, so he could help correct mistakes later at home.”

Over the years, Valdez became more involved in coaching, balancing his responsibilities on and off the field alongside his day job as a general laborer. Life is hectic, but the family manages.

Daily life, however, is particularly challenging because the California-based family doesn’t have a reliable car. Getting to practices and games is a constant struggle, and there have even been nights when they had to spend money they were saving for a home on hotel rooms.

For the family, taking the bus has become a practical solution.

“Well, we all have been taking the bus for a while now,” Solis, a full-time student in the medical field and part-time youth football league AD for her son's 14u team, explains. “Not everyone can always give rides, which we understand — people have responsibilities. So, for us, taking the bus ensures we’re not a burden."

"My older kids don’t mind it because they understand our situation and are mature enough to follow our lead," she adds. "The little ones enjoy it sometimes, but long days of bus rides, school and practice can make them fussy. Still, it works for us.”

And the kids aren’t the only ones taking the bus — Valdez and Solis ride it too. After dropping the kids off at school or practice, Valdez heads to work. Later, he'll rush back to feed the kids and get them ready for football practice, all while managing multiple bags of gear, including helmets, cleats, jerseys and water jugs.

“We used to rely on the school to hold our gear, but one day we weren’t allowed to bring it anymore,” Solis says. “Sometimes we have to backtrack to pick up equipment from storage, but at least everything stays safe. It’s not always easy, but taking the bus ensures the kids get to practice and games safely, even if it means a long day and a bit of juggling for us.”

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Game days, in particular, are early and hectic. The family leaves home around 6 a.m. for home games, and away games require coordinating rides with other parents or family members. “It literally takes a village,” Solis says.

Despite the chaos, Valdez never complains. “He approaches both his role as a coach and his responsibilities to our family with incredible commitment and passion,” Solis adds. “Even when life gets tough, seeing the kids practice and play brings him happiness — it’s a reminder to let them simply be kids.”

Some moments have stood out for the family. During one game, a parent handed Roman a card that read, “You make a difference.” On another rainy day, a bus driver saw them struggling with kids and gear and handed them free bus passes. “To be seen in a moment of feeling helpless was everything to us,” Solis says.

Since sharing about her husband taking the bus to practices, Solis says it's been overwhelming but heartwarming. She says the TikTok video inspired so much love and appreciation that friends, neighbors and strangers reached out.

“People even recognized us in our neighborhood! We got honks and waves, and close friends were calling, saying, ‘Y’all went viral!’ ” she recalls. Initially, Valdez was hesitant — he doesn’t like attention and wouldn’t ever ask for help, but he was moved by the messages of support.

The community rallied with a GoFundMe, raising $8,932 to help the family purchase a reliable vehicle — a change that would make taking the bus a thing of the past.

“Having a reliable car changed everything,” Solis says. “We no longer have to worry about catching buses or waking up extra early. We can get to school, work and practices on time, and it gives us breathing room for other parts of our busy lives. But the reason the bus worked for so long is the kids’ resilience and our willingness to make it work together.”

The family had faced tough months. Valdez had been laid off multiple times, and they lost their home in March, spending months moving between motels before a family member offered temporary shelter. The GoFundMe money went entirely toward the car, which they purchased used. “It’s already showing minor mechanical issues, but we’re managing it together,” Solis says.

“No matter your living situation or daily struggles, resilience and determination can help you overcome immense challenges," she adds. "Even in the face of overwhelming odds, maintaining hope and working tirelessly toward your goals can lead to unexpected triumphs."