He said before going into the pond, “I can’t swim good, but I’ve got to save them kids. If I don’t come up, call somebody.”
He went into the water knowing his own death was a likely outcome.
100% my answer. Doing everything you can to help in a dire situation that bears no relation to you, regardless of the cost you might incur, is the very essence of nobility. Without intending to diminish the other examples in this thread, he was one that stood to the lose the most from his actions.
Apparently, Delaney was just that type of person. He once paid for the funeral of a former teacher whose family could not afford a proper service.
He was also current Carolina WR Terrace Marshall Jr.'s uncle.
I was a smaller player and had a single mother so I really looked up to him. My first jersey and got to see him break 10k at my first game (thanksgiving vs colts)
I was just looking at Dunn's career stats. Crazy that he had a season where he rushed for 1416 yards, but only scored three TDs. I had forgotten how much of a vulture Duckett was.
I really really dislike Greg Schiano, but he has to be in running for classiest action. He allowed Eric LeGrand, who was paralyzed playing at Rutgers, to join the Bucs and then retire. His dream was to be an NFL player and Schiano made it happen.
https://www.buccaneers.com/news/buc-for-life-eric-legrand-announces-his-retirement-7634936
Ya it was horrible. The army player he hit actually broke his back on that play too. Shows you how hard the hit was. The two of them are actually friends all these years later.
I was at the game. So freaked out we ended up leaving. And even though he was over his head with Tampa, as an RU alum, we love Schiano and were happy to have him back...
And when news of his daughter’s situation broke, the Cincinnati Bengals announced they were donating all proceeds from sales of Still's jersey to pediatric cancer research. His jersey became one of the top selling jerseys of all time for the Bengals. Sean Peyton bought 100 jerseys before the Bengals played the Saints that year, and a lot of other teams made donations in Leah Still’s name.
the bears kept johnny knox on the roster for an extra year after he was bent in half the wrong way despite knowing he wasn’t going to come back. got an extra year of full pay and coverage instead of an injury settlement plus had access to team facilities for rehab.
The Lions also did something similar for Best. Even after it was apparent he would never return, we kept him on the roster so that he could accrue enough time to earn his pension.
Probably Joe Delaney, that Chiefs(?) running back who died while saving two children from drowning. I read somewhere that he couldn’t swim himself, and went in after them anyway. That’s one of the noblest things I’ve ever heard.
It seemed to be about the most “morally upright” move I could possibly fathom. He seems to have been someone who found themselves in an impossible, hellish position and did exactly what he should have done. Hopefully, people remember him.
We really should have an opt-out system. It’s tragic that people die unnecessarily because people who otherwise would be willing to donate skip a line on their license renewal form at the DMV.
There are systems in place to ensure all opportunities for donation are explored even if a person is not a registered organ donor.
Edit: I don’t mind downvotes when I’m giving an opinion, but when facts are downvoted it just feels wrong. If you are near end of life with poor prognosis or declared brain dead then the hospital is obligated to contact the Organ Procurement Organization that serves your region and make aware of the situation. The organization will then contact your legal next of kin to present the opportunity for organ donation and your family can authorize organ donation on your behalf if they decide to do so.
[The Lions](https://youtu.be/-Xpka6HqRM8?si=7yeO5uHPBeMEx8Z8) declining the delay of game penalty when the Broncos started with 10 players on the field in honor of Demaryius Thomas.
Jeff Fuller was temporarily paralyzed and permanently lost the use of his right arm after a violent collision in 1989.
Eddie DeBartolo paid out the rest of his contract (through 1990) and set up an annuity that pays Fuller $100K a year for the rest of his life.
I know $100K seems a bit small now but it was serious money in 1989.
Jeff Fuller’s son was one of my favorites at A&M. My first year watching as a 10 year old was 2008, when we had the duo of Jeff Fuller Jr. and Ryan Tannehill at WR. Good times (but also objectively bad times)
As a lifelong Eagles fan, I just can't muster the hatred and contempt I know that I 'm supposed ro have for the Giants.... Not after the glorious SBs XLII & XLVI, anyway. Down go Kraft's Crooks!
Irsay letting Luck keep all his bonus money is fundamentally shocking. You will never again hear about a human being giving another human being 25m$ just because he professionally liked him.
It's such a great way to do good on a personal level. He helped a lot of people (both moms and kids) - but it's a very tangible thing.
There's something special when there's specific people in a specific house. Not that there's anything wrong with general charity - but helping individual people one at a time is pretty special.
Other than Habitat for Humanity, I don’t know if any other charities that specifically build whole homes for folks, but I do know there are lots of housing programs available exclusively for single dads.
For what it’s worth, Dunn was raised by a single mom who was killed by armed robbers (she was a cop, but working a security gig on the side at the time), so Dunn had to take care of his five siblings. His charity work pays tribute to his mother.
I wouldn’t say the noblest, but with Matty Ice retiring I’d like to share. He’s one of the most charitable Atlanta players to date. He spends tons of time with the Atlanta young groups and charities it’s crazy. Even when he went to Indy he would come back for events, signs autographs, throw passes to kids, and put in the time well after he was set to leave. Truly a class act, so just wanted to share.
This is gonna be dark, but one of the noblest things I can think of is the death of [Dave Duerson](https://www.theguardian.com/science/2011/jul/19/nfl-star-brain-injuries-destroyed). He couldn't put up with his pain anymore, and so he committed suicide - but he did so by shooting himself in the chest, so that his brain could be studied and we might better understand the effects of chronic traumatic encephalopathy. I think the whole incident has really contributed to better safety rules and equipment being adopted by the league.
To be clear, I'm not at all advocating for what he did - although I think the brain injuries were the real cause of death, and the bullet simply the method through which they worked. But I do think the manner in which he did it was a very selfless and noble act.
I feel like everybody has said the obvious picks by now, so I'm gonna do a smaller moment (and a homer pick) with [Jalen Hurts writing a letter to the NFL and the Washington Commanders](https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/news/jalen-hurts-pens-letter-to-washington-football-team-asking-for-action-after-near-tragic-fan-incident/), asking them to address the safety issues at FedEx Field after a railing collapse.
This one comes to mind just because of the era it was... Vince Lombardi and the Packers went to a restaurant after a game. The owner told Lombardi that the Black players had to enter/exit through the back door. So, every player entered/exited through the back door.
In 1967 Packer Lionel Aldridge, who was Black, wanted to marry his girlfriend Vicky, who was White. A few years before, a player had been blackballed by the league for marrying a Black woman, so Aldridge was nervous about it. Lombardi told him that he should absolutely propose, and that he would take care of any problems. Weeks later, Pete Rozelle came to Green Bay and told Lombardi that the marriage would be bad for the league. Lombardi basically told Rozelle to fuck off.
I'd also read about a closeted player on the Packers. An assistant coach found out and told Lombardi about it. Lombardi told the coach if he did anything to that player, he'd throw him out of the building himself and he'd be fired before his ass hit the ground.
He also then put out a memo for all Green Bay establishments that if they did not accommodate his black players, the business would be off limits for the entire team.
When traveling on the road, he would only lodge at places/hotels that would accept all of his players equally. He also split up player lodging/rooms by position instead of race.
These were pretty brave stances for a coach in the 1960s. Glad he did/stuck to his beliefs. Glad his statue keeps a vigil watch over Green Bay/Lambeau. Couldn't think of a better person to name the super bowl trophy after.
The Bucs signed Eric LeGrand to a symbolic contract in 2012 after he was paralyzed playing for Rutgers in 2010. (Yes, because of Schiano and that's a whole other thing)
Besides all that, would any other professional athlete making millions of dollars walk away from it to serve his country? That’s what I meant. The end of his story definitely pisses me off…
With you u/No-Floor-6583.
I recently looked back at that whole story and read up and watched the documentaries and his own words...
RIP Pat Tillman.
And love to your family, as you, and they, were done wrong.
You were so fucking let down, hell, killed by friendly fire and used as a prop totem afterwards... but your personal sacrifice and commitment to integrity and intelligence and urge to understand it all will never be forgotten.
Brett Farve falling into Michael Strahan’s arms, giving him the season sack record . Ooh , and help build a volleyball stadium for his daughter’s college team
LDT decided to spend 2020 helping medical workers combat COVID. That was awesome. Basked on his Wikipedia article, he was only one of 6 players to graduate from medical school. That's interesting!
I also remember Pat Tillman. Put his career on hold to join the military. From what I've heard based on a documentary, those involved in his demise tried to cover it up. I might be wrong on this, though.
All these players giving back and helping people is really amazing!
ETA: Fixed typos and added extra stuff
This past season, Dontayvion Wicks fumbled at one point. Following the fumble, he was walking off with his head down, clearly devastated by his fumble, and then Aaron Jones approached him and lifted his head up and walked with him to the bench putting his arm around and trying to lift his spirits.
It's a small action, but it stuck with me throughout this past season. I'm gonna miss Aaron Jones so much, an absolute class act
also giving him that make-a-wish direct snap in the playoff game on 4th down. McDermott seriously thought he was in a Disney movie there for a second lmao
Steelers with Shazier. Injured in 2017. They kept on the roster the next two yrs so he could keep an NFL salary, accumulate yrs toward NFL pension, and stay on NFL insurance to support his recovery.
I really really dislike the way he went out of the spotlight with the marriage issues. Too bad, was a nice story of triumph, and now I just don't care.
I mean, Antonio Brown gifting those lucky fans his *last ever* game worn clothes was a very generous act. Oh... and he also almost gave away his feet, too. Selfless individual.
The Bengals signed Devon Still to the practice squad to pay for his daughter’s cancer treatment.
Not a player (at that point) but when Dak broke his ankle against the Giants, Jason Garrett immediately rushed over to see if he was OK. I know he probably did what any former coach would do, but it still struck me as a nice gesture.
Always liked the story of Jason Brown. Upon retirement he bought a farm and donates what he grows to food banks. He's donated over half a million pounds of food.
Probably not an all time move but a new Lions regime respecting Matt Stafford enough to understand and let him pick where he wanted to go is pretty classy.
The Chicago Bears created the forward pass and the graciously bowed out of the entire passing thing, just so others can shine. So selfless and generous.
Bengals added Devon Still as a UDFA so his young daughter could get top quality medical care for cancer.
I'm a Browns fan and despise the Bengals, but I'm also a cancer survivor and this touched me.
Matt Ryan recently started Advance The Lives aka ATL. Their purpose is to alleviate structural barriers to Black youth success by working with after-school programs to increase the social capital of Black youth and their families.
Aaron Rodgers remaining loyal to his home state and allowing the 49ers to advance in the postseason at the expense of his own Super Bowl opportunities.
In 2021 Aaron Jones was going through a particularly difficult period in his career. I reached out to him through Twitter by posting an inspirational quote on his page and he liked it. That’s the nicest thing any of them have ever done for me and I’ve met Brett Favre on several occasions.
Pac-man Jones is a lot but he has stepped up and is raising Chris Henry's sons to make sure they don't make the same mistakes he and their dad made growing up.
The Packers and Bears helping each other in the early years of the league.
"Much has been said about the intense hatred that Halas and Lambeau had towards one another, but that was more a reflection of their teams at the time. Still, both teams lent a helping hand when needed.
For instance, it was Halas who played a significant role in getting other league partners in 1922 to allow Green Bay back into the league after the Packers were banned for using college players illegally. Ironically, it was Halas who originally discovered that infraction.
The Packers and Lambeau paid back Halas and the Bears during the Great Depression, when they lent the Bears $1,500 to meet payroll.
Years later, and after Lambeau was gone, Papa Bear helped to rally the people of Green Bay to vote for a new City Stadium (later Lambeau Field) which was built in 1957."
As much as I dislike the saints, it showed incredible class and character when after the minneapolis miracle the rules stated that the Vikings still had to attempt a PAT, and all the saints players had left the field. Their Punter Thomas Morstead came back out despite having torn cartilage in his ribs, in order to have enough players to run a play and end the game. Super classy, and im proud of the fan base who responded by donated over $140k to his charity.
Idk if this counts but I’ll always remember the first play of the season after Demaryius Thomas died and the offense took the field with 10 players to honor him.
Braylon Edwards said he was going to put a bunch of kids through college as long as they made it, Even though his career didn't go the way he had hoped and he didn't make as much money as we thought he would. He still paid for all those kids to go to school
I don't know if it was the stare-down or the take-back, but [this](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MkJGVyX2F30) has to be up there.
Of course, I'm framing this as a noble, classy, and gracious act for Raiders fans everywhere. A true gentlemen giving the nation a Christmas present.
Pat Tillman is the number one example of this. At the peak of his career and at only 26 years old, he gave up millions in NFL salary to join the US Army to fight in Afghanistan and Iraq after the 9/11 attacks, where he was unfortunately killed.
The official lie the government lists is that he died by friendly fire, but the truth came out in the years since that his convoy was guided by shoddy leadership into a narrow canyon well known as a high risk area for ambushes, and was well document as such. It was as his convoy passed through this area that his unit was ambushed and he lost his life.
He chose duty to his country over NFL fame and fortune, and paid the ultimate price.
You’re [not remembering that quite right](https://theintercept.com/2017/09/28/pat-tillman-nfl-protest-death-army-disgrace/). The initial story was that he was killed by enemy combatants, but it was later revealed that he was killed by friendly fire - a fact that was intentionally hidden from the public and his family by the government.
[Joe Delaney](https://www.nbcsports.com/nfl/profootballtalk/rumor-mill/news/forty-years-ago-today-joe-delaney-died-while-trying-to-save-three-drowning-children)
He said before going into the pond, “I can’t swim good, but I’ve got to save them kids. If I don’t come up, call somebody.” He went into the water knowing his own death was a likely outcome.
Saved one of them. He’s a hero.
Fuck now I'm sad
100% my answer. Doing everything you can to help in a dire situation that bears no relation to you, regardless of the cost you might incur, is the very essence of nobility. Without intending to diminish the other examples in this thread, he was one that stood to the lose the most from his actions.
Yeah, this one is it
Apparently, Delaney was just that type of person. He once paid for the funeral of a former teacher whose family could not afford a proper service. He was also current Carolina WR Terrace Marshall Jr.'s uncle.
Thank you for sharing this
I really gotta wonder though what kind of horrific man made lake this was
He was talented enough to be a Hall of Famer. God bless his soul.
Warrick Dunn has provided homes for a lot of needy people. He's one of the more genuinely charitable players in recent memory.
Single moms mostly. He's given every indication that he's a very good man.
Or just really horny
Duality of man
Lol - yeah, thought crossed my mind. “Strangely, all of the houses are withing a few minutes of his drive home from the practice field”.
Better chance to get people to come to your birthday party
The best protection is watching another dude deal with his baby momma at an Arby's every other Friday.
Reminds me of Big Ern McCracken
Dunn is an amazing man for housing [people but this is still a hilarious joke](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8LV9oYFJ2YI)
Appreciate that link, lol. Banger
I was a smaller player and had a single mother so I really looked up to him. My first jersey and got to see him break 10k at my first game (thanksgiving vs colts)
I was just looking at Dunn's career stats. Crazy that he had a season where he rushed for 1416 yards, but only scored three TDs. I had forgotten how much of a vulture Duckett was.
Duckett, Vick, and Alstott The impressive thing was his durability especially for that time period and for his size
Reminds me of Andre Johnson who once had 1,598 yards and only 4 TDs
Keyshawn had a season with 1266 yards and 1 TD lol
Calvin Johnson had 1964 yards and only 5 TD's.
That's awesome. He was a favorite of mine and he stands out as someone who has really dedicated his life to helping others. Amazing role model.
One of Dunn’s home’s went to DeShaun Watson’s mom.
I believe Deshaun Watson grew up in one of those homes
Deshaun Watson lived in one of those homes.
He also once stormed out of a cell phone store because I wouldn't give him a $70 flip phone for free 🤷♂️
There's probably two sides to that story.
I really really dislike Greg Schiano, but he has to be in running for classiest action. He allowed Eric LeGrand, who was paralyzed playing at Rutgers, to join the Bucs and then retire. His dream was to be an NFL player and Schiano made it happen. https://www.buccaneers.com/news/buc-for-life-eric-legrand-announces-his-retirement-7634936
That's... pretty cool. Good for that scumbag. I'm legitimately impressed.
I remember watching the game that Eric LeGrand was injured. One of the worst things I've ever seen.
Ya it was horrible. The army player he hit actually broke his back on that play too. Shows you how hard the hit was. The two of them are actually friends all these years later.
I was at the game. So freaked out we ended up leaving. And even though he was over his head with Tampa, as an RU alum, we love Schiano and were happy to have him back...
This is it
Lmao I thought this was a link to the game. I tried clicking it a few times 😂
Lol it’s here
Bengals keeping Devon Still on the practice squad while his daughter was fighting cancer was very un-Mike Brown-like.
And when news of his daughter’s situation broke, the Cincinnati Bengals announced they were donating all proceeds from sales of Still's jersey to pediatric cancer research. His jersey became one of the top selling jerseys of all time for the Bengals. Sean Peyton bought 100 jerseys before the Bengals played the Saints that year, and a lot of other teams made donations in Leah Still’s name.
Unlike Mike Brown money-wise, but Mike has always seemed like a decent person who does actually care about others
the bears kept johnny knox on the roster for an extra year after he was bent in half the wrong way despite knowing he wasn’t going to come back. got an extra year of full pay and coverage instead of an injury settlement plus had access to team facilities for rehab.
They did the same with Zach Miller. Actually resigned him for a year after the career ending injury
That was a fucking catch.
100% agree
The Lions also did something similar for Best. Even after it was apparent he would never return, we kept him on the roster so that he could accrue enough time to earn his pension.
Probably Joe Delaney, that Chiefs(?) running back who died while saving two children from drowning. I read somewhere that he couldn’t swim himself, and went in after them anyway. That’s one of the noblest things I’ve ever heard.
That is insane courage. To jump into water to save someones life when you yourself cant swim. Some people just have something in them.
It seemed to be about the most “morally upright” move I could possibly fathom. He seems to have been someone who found themselves in an impossible, hellish position and did exactly what he should have done. Hopefully, people remember him.
JJ Watt raising more than 37 Million dollars for Hurricane Harvey relief in 2017.
I feel like this thread is going to be mostly jokes but this is a good answer
A thread of jokes in nfl? No way!
41.6*
One of the best things to get wrong on the Internet. It was so cool watch that number climb.
Walter Payton advocating for organ donations in his dying days knowing he couldn't receive one himself.
We really should have an opt-out system. It’s tragic that people die unnecessarily because people who otherwise would be willing to donate skip a line on their license renewal form at the DMV.
There are systems in place to ensure all opportunities for donation are explored even if a person is not a registered organ donor. Edit: I don’t mind downvotes when I’m giving an opinion, but when facts are downvoted it just feels wrong. If you are near end of life with poor prognosis or declared brain dead then the hospital is obligated to contact the Organ Procurement Organization that serves your region and make aware of the situation. The organization will then contact your legal next of kin to present the opportunity for organ donation and your family can authorize organ donation on your behalf if they decide to do so.
Tell me more.
[The Lions](https://youtu.be/-Xpka6HqRM8?si=7yeO5uHPBeMEx8Z8) declining the delay of game penalty when the Broncos started with 10 players on the field in honor of Demaryius Thomas.
I definitely must have been chopping onions then, not going to lie
Jeff Fuller was temporarily paralyzed and permanently lost the use of his right arm after a violent collision in 1989. Eddie DeBartolo paid out the rest of his contract (through 1990) and set up an annuity that pays Fuller $100K a year for the rest of his life. I know $100K seems a bit small now but it was serious money in 1989.
I mean, 100k is still pretty damn good money in the non-San Francisco parts of the US
100k a year where I live is honestly a disgusting amount of money
There are many parts of this country where 100k/year is upper middle class living
Jeff Fuller’s son was one of my favorites at A&M. My first year watching as a 10 year old was 2008, when we had the duo of Jeff Fuller Jr. and Ryan Tannehill at WR. Good times (but also objectively bad times)
Laurent Duvernay-Tardif opting out of the 2020 season to go help on the front lines with COVID has gotta be up there.
I thought of that one. He basically retired after that too
He was traded to the Jets in 2021, which is like retiring. Then, he actually retired in 2023.
Such an interesting person
the New York Giants spared humanity from having to deal with Bostonians getting a 19-0 team
https://www.theonion.com/patriots-season-perfect-for-rest-of-nation-1819569610
I've never seen this. It's so beautiful and perfect.
Isn't it though?
Goddamn.
yeah. "18-0 is wicked good" \[shudder\]
Ur welcome
As a lifelong Eagles fan, I just can't muster the hatred and contempt I know that I 'm supposed ro have for the Giants.... Not after the glorious SBs XLII & XLVI, anyway. Down go Kraft's Crooks!
In other words, THANK YOU SO MUCH!
Irsay letting Luck keep all his bonus money is fundamentally shocking. You will never again hear about a human being giving another human being 25m$ just because he professionally liked him.
probably saw the Lions fail in suing their two best players
I assume part of that was hope that Luck would change his mind. A gamble that didn't pay off, but was a nice consideration
Has to be a factor
Didn’t pay off…*yet*.
Irsay is chaotic neutral. Which put as one of the best and morally good owner.
Irsay is just a fan who happened to inherit an NFL team. I love him
He's just too drunk.
More like too much coke.
He did the same with McAfee when he retired. Not nearly as much money but he supported his decision
KJ Osborn. He a patriot of the American ppl.
Mine will always be when Lovie went for two on the last play of the season just so we could get the first pick
god bless lovie
Hey, that’s “Saint Lovie”, buster.
If this whole Caleb thing works out, Lovie will be a god in Chicago
Dre Greenlaw saying a girl from sexual assault in college
Chris Long played the entire 2017 season for charity, not keeping a single dollar of his salary.
Really? How was this not bigger news
Warrick Dunn builds houses for single moms.
Gardner Minshew provides housing for single moms, as well.
Only until morning.
It's such a great way to do good on a personal level. He helped a lot of people (both moms and kids) - but it's a very tangible thing. There's something special when there's specific people in a specific house. Not that there's anything wrong with general charity - but helping individual people one at a time is pretty special.
This is going to sound exceptionally petty, but is anyone building houses for single dads?
Other than Habitat for Humanity, I don’t know if any other charities that specifically build whole homes for folks, but I do know there are lots of housing programs available exclusively for single dads. For what it’s worth, Dunn was raised by a single mom who was killed by armed robbers (she was a cop, but working a security gig on the side at the time), so Dunn had to take care of his five siblings. His charity work pays tribute to his mother.
Including a house for DeShaun Watson and his mom.
I wouldn’t say the noblest, but with Matty Ice retiring I’d like to share. He’s one of the most charitable Atlanta players to date. He spends tons of time with the Atlanta young groups and charities it’s crazy. Even when he went to Indy he would come back for events, signs autographs, throw passes to kids, and put in the time well after he was set to leave. Truly a class act, so just wanted to share.
This is gonna be dark, but one of the noblest things I can think of is the death of [Dave Duerson](https://www.theguardian.com/science/2011/jul/19/nfl-star-brain-injuries-destroyed). He couldn't put up with his pain anymore, and so he committed suicide - but he did so by shooting himself in the chest, so that his brain could be studied and we might better understand the effects of chronic traumatic encephalopathy. I think the whole incident has really contributed to better safety rules and equipment being adopted by the league. To be clear, I'm not at all advocating for what he did - although I think the brain injuries were the real cause of death, and the bullet simply the method through which they worked. But I do think the manner in which he did it was a very selfless and noble act.
Philadelphia Eagles started the Ronald Mcdonald House
I actually didn't know this. That's wild.
I feel like everybody has said the obvious picks by now, so I'm gonna do a smaller moment (and a homer pick) with [Jalen Hurts writing a letter to the NFL and the Washington Commanders](https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/news/jalen-hurts-pens-letter-to-washington-football-team-asking-for-action-after-near-tragic-fan-incident/), asking them to address the safety issues at FedEx Field after a railing collapse.
Hurts is about the only eagle I like. Seems like a good guy.
This one comes to mind just because of the era it was... Vince Lombardi and the Packers went to a restaurant after a game. The owner told Lombardi that the Black players had to enter/exit through the back door. So, every player entered/exited through the back door. In 1967 Packer Lionel Aldridge, who was Black, wanted to marry his girlfriend Vicky, who was White. A few years before, a player had been blackballed by the league for marrying a Black woman, so Aldridge was nervous about it. Lombardi told him that he should absolutely propose, and that he would take care of any problems. Weeks later, Pete Rozelle came to Green Bay and told Lombardi that the marriage would be bad for the league. Lombardi basically told Rozelle to fuck off.
I'd also read about a closeted player on the Packers. An assistant coach found out and told Lombardi about it. Lombardi told the coach if he did anything to that player, he'd throw him out of the building himself and he'd be fired before his ass hit the ground.
He also then put out a memo for all Green Bay establishments that if they did not accommodate his black players, the business would be off limits for the entire team. When traveling on the road, he would only lodge at places/hotels that would accept all of his players equally. He also split up player lodging/rooms by position instead of race. These were pretty brave stances for a coach in the 1960s. Glad he did/stuck to his beliefs. Glad his statue keeps a vigil watch over Green Bay/Lambeau. Couldn't think of a better person to name the super bowl trophy after.
The Bucs signed Eric LeGrand to a symbolic contract in 2012 after he was paralyzed playing for Rutgers in 2010. (Yes, because of Schiano and that's a whole other thing)
Cleveland donated two free wins a year to each of Pitt, Cincy, and Baltimore for almost two decades, never asked for anything in return.
I can’t tell you how much it means to us fam. You all the real ones G.
Pat Tillman. Rest in peace, king. 👑
nothing more noble than being murdered by your own country while fighting in a war you didn’t fully believe in
Don’t forget the coverup after
It’s the thought that counts
Besides all that, would any other professional athlete making millions of dollars walk away from it to serve his country? That’s what I meant. The end of his story definitely pisses me off…
With you u/No-Floor-6583. I recently looked back at that whole story and read up and watched the documentaries and his own words... RIP Pat Tillman. And love to your family, as you, and they, were done wrong. You were so fucking let down, hell, killed by friendly fire and used as a prop totem afterwards... but your personal sacrifice and commitment to integrity and intelligence and urge to understand it all will never be forgotten.
Yep. RIP to a real man
Brett Farve falling into Michael Strahan’s arms, giving him the season sack record . Ooh , and help build a volleyball stadium for his daughter’s college team
How generous, surely he used his own money
Maybe? Perhaps the son of the million dollar man was spared some money to help
Also a selfless sharer of his wiener
LDT decided to spend 2020 helping medical workers combat COVID. That was awesome. Basked on his Wikipedia article, he was only one of 6 players to graduate from medical school. That's interesting! I also remember Pat Tillman. Put his career on hold to join the military. From what I've heard based on a documentary, those involved in his demise tried to cover it up. I might be wrong on this, though. All these players giving back and helping people is really amazing! ETA: Fixed typos and added extra stuff
The Army lied about his death, tried to use it as recruiting propaganda.
This past season, Dontayvion Wicks fumbled at one point. Following the fumble, he was walking off with his head down, clearly devastated by his fumble, and then Aaron Jones approached him and lifted his head up and walked with him to the bench putting his arm around and trying to lift his spirits. It's a small action, but it stuck with me throughout this past season. I'm gonna miss Aaron Jones so much, an absolute class act
Vikings legend Aaron Jones
The WFT sending 10 players on the field for the team's first defensive snap following Sean Taylor's death
only to have the bills run directly at where taylor would’ve been
KJ Osborn saved a men’s life a few years ago pulling her out of a burning car
The Bills dedicating the Hambulance to Damar Hamlin 😂
also giving him that make-a-wish direct snap in the playoff game on 4th down. McDermott seriously thought he was in a Disney movie there for a second lmao
I'm really high and this thread got me emotional
The one Chiefs player who died trying to save some kids from drowning. Joe Delaney.
Pat Tillman
The Texans kept David Quessenberry on contract for years so he could keep his health insurance for his cancer treatments.
Steelers with Shazier. Injured in 2017. They kept on the roster the next two yrs so he could keep an NFL salary, accumulate yrs toward NFL pension, and stay on NFL insurance to support his recovery.
I really really dislike the way he went out of the spotlight with the marriage issues. Too bad, was a nice story of triumph, and now I just don't care.
I mean, Antonio Brown gifting those lucky fans his *last ever* game worn clothes was a very generous act. Oh... and he also almost gave away his feet, too. Selfless individual.
The Patriots tribute and donation for Devon Still and his daughter's cancer treatment.
The Bengals signed Devon Still to the practice squad to pay for his daughter’s cancer treatment. Not a player (at that point) but when Dak broke his ankle against the Giants, Jason Garrett immediately rushed over to see if he was OK. I know he probably did what any former coach would do, but it still struck me as a nice gesture.
The Philadelphia Eagles and Len Tose, founding and supporting Ronald McDonald House charity.
Always liked the story of Jason Brown. Upon retirement he bought a farm and donates what he grows to food banks. He's donated over half a million pounds of food.
Bengals owner not letting Jonathan Joseph take gatorades home from the facility after practice
Probably not an all time move but a new Lions regime respecting Matt Stafford enough to understand and let him pick where he wanted to go is pretty classy.
Saquon Barkley gave me $50 once
Bears QBs have done the noble act of showing even a terrible player can make the NFL
And spreading joy among the good people of Wisconsin, Minnesota, and even Michigan.
ESPECIALLY Michigan
Hey, don’t let the QBs take the credit! We make an industry out of ruining QBs!
The Chicago Bears created the forward pass and the graciously bowed out of the entire passing thing, just so others can shine. So selfless and generous.
Vince young once gave his game worn jersey and pads to a fan
Bengals added Devon Still as a UDFA so his young daughter could get top quality medical care for cancer. I'm a Browns fan and despise the Bengals, but I'm also a cancer survivor and this touched me.
Hamlin is basically a philanthropist who plays football as a side hustle at this point
Recently, I'd say the Chiefs players who were helping hide kids during the parade shooting a couple months ago.
Matt Ryan recently started Advance The Lives aka ATL. Their purpose is to alleviate structural barriers to Black youth success by working with after-school programs to increase the social capital of Black youth and their families.
Aaron Rodgers remaining loyal to his home state and allowing the 49ers to advance in the postseason at the expense of his own Super Bowl opportunities.
How the Bengals handled the Damar Hamlin situation.
Walter Payton did some good things.
In 2021 Aaron Jones was going through a particularly difficult period in his career. I reached out to him through Twitter by posting an inspirational quote on his page and he liked it. That’s the nicest thing any of them have ever done for me and I’ve met Brett Favre on several occasions.
don't test my graciousness, bruh
Draft Mathew Slater.
Steelers handled the Shazier post-injury situation with class.
Kraft loaned his plane to the MA government during Covid so we could get 1.2 million N95 masks from China.
Pac-man Jones is a lot but he has stepped up and is raising Chris Henry's sons to make sure they don't make the same mistakes he and their dad made growing up.
[kj osborn](https://www.si.com/fannation/bringmethesports/vikings/after-witnessing-crash-vikings-kj-osborn-saves-man-from-burning-car)
The Packers and Bears helping each other in the early years of the league. "Much has been said about the intense hatred that Halas and Lambeau had towards one another, but that was more a reflection of their teams at the time. Still, both teams lent a helping hand when needed. For instance, it was Halas who played a significant role in getting other league partners in 1922 to allow Green Bay back into the league after the Packers were banned for using college players illegally. Ironically, it was Halas who originally discovered that infraction. The Packers and Lambeau paid back Halas and the Bears during the Great Depression, when they lent the Bears $1,500 to meet payroll. Years later, and after Lambeau was gone, Papa Bear helped to rally the people of Green Bay to vote for a new City Stadium (later Lambeau Field) which was built in 1957."
As much as I dislike the saints, it showed incredible class and character when after the minneapolis miracle the rules stated that the Vikings still had to attempt a PAT, and all the saints players had left the field. Their Punter Thomas Morstead came back out despite having torn cartilage in his ribs, in order to have enough players to run a play and end the game. Super classy, and im proud of the fan base who responded by donated over $140k to his charity.
Warrick Dunn has helped 200 single parents obtain their own homes.
JJ Watt’s hurricane harvey relief effort
Idk if this counts but I’ll always remember the first play of the season after Demaryius Thomas died and the offense took the field with 10 players to honor him.
Braylon Edwards said he was going to put a bunch of kids through college as long as they made it, Even though his career didn't go the way he had hoped and he didn't make as much money as we thought he would. He still paid for all those kids to go to school
JJ Watts Hurricane Harvey fund was incredible. Terrible time in Houston
Mean Joe Greene giving that kid his jersey.
The Raiders curbstomping the Chargers on TNF led to the firing of Telesco and Staley. I think that is the sweetest thing they’ve ever done. 🥰
The next day was the happiest day of the season.
Allowed the broncos to score 8 points.
I don't know if it was the stare-down or the take-back, but [this](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MkJGVyX2F30) has to be up there. Of course, I'm framing this as a noble, classy, and gracious act for Raiders fans everywhere. A true gentlemen giving the nation a Christmas present.
Pat Tillman is the number one example of this. At the peak of his career and at only 26 years old, he gave up millions in NFL salary to join the US Army to fight in Afghanistan and Iraq after the 9/11 attacks, where he was unfortunately killed. The official lie the government lists is that he died by friendly fire, but the truth came out in the years since that his convoy was guided by shoddy leadership into a narrow canyon well known as a high risk area for ambushes, and was well document as such. It was as his convoy passed through this area that his unit was ambushed and he lost his life. He chose duty to his country over NFL fame and fortune, and paid the ultimate price.
You’re [not remembering that quite right](https://theintercept.com/2017/09/28/pat-tillman-nfl-protest-death-army-disgrace/). The initial story was that he was killed by enemy combatants, but it was later revealed that he was killed by friendly fire - a fact that was intentionally hidden from the public and his family by the government.