By Mallory Mattingly
Army football player Larry Pickett Jr. kicked off his college season as a hero — not because of anything he did on the field but because of what happened off the field early Sunday morning.
As Pickett and his family were leaving dinner, they saw a car on fire. The athlete jumped into action, and his dad, Larry Pickett Sr., reflected on the moment on Instagram.
“Thank you, Jesus, that this man will live to see another day! I am so grateful for my son LJ for saving his life!” the elder Pickett wrote. “Not only is he making an impact in the classroom and on the football field at the United States Military Academy at West Point, but he’s also making a difference in his community!”
“Just after Midnight, I watched in awe as my son, Larry Pickett Jr., ran toward a burning vehicle, ignoring the downed power lines crackling around it. With immense courage, he pulled a man to safety, saving him from a fiery fate,” the father continued. “This is more than a display of leadership; it’s a testament to the character West Point is building in him — a readiness to go into the line of fire, not just for his country, but for anyone who needs it. To see that courage and selflessness in action firsthand was truly incredible.”
Related: Navy vs. Army Football Game Begins With Powerful Prayer
Sports Spectrum reported that after Pickett rescued the driver, he and his dad can be heard saying, “The Lord is with you…You’ve just got to praise Him…You’ve got to thank Jesus…You are blessed…The airbag kept you and Jesus kept you.”
They stayed with the man until emergency personnel arrived.
For more inspiring sports stories, check out Sports Spectrum.
“Thank you to our daughter Lauren for capturing this moment on video! Also, a huge thank you to the Highland Falls Police Department, Highland Falls Fire Department, and all the first responders who arrived on the scene so quickly,” Pickett Sr. added. “Whenever we visit the Academy, it’s a blessing to be surrounded by true heroes — both on and off the field.”
Jeff Monken, Army’s head coach, also commented on Pickett’s bravery.
“Larry’s heroic actions embody everything we strive to instill in our cadet-athletes — courage, selflessness, and a willingness to put others before themselves,” he wrote. “In that critical moment, he didn’t think of himself, only of helping another person in need. We are incredibly proud of Larry for the way he represented his family, our Army Football brotherhood, and the values of West Point.”
After his freshman campaign last year, Pickett took to social media to share what he focused on.
“I’ve been focusing on improving, not proving, seeking God’s heart, embracing and enjoying the journey, but still focused on the destination, being more intentional with my words and actions, and stopped trying to become what I already was,” the football player shared.
Pickett had an incredible weekend as he recorded his first tackle in Friday’s loss against Tarleton State, but his selfless actions Sunday morning show he’s focused on more than just football.
Read Next: Actor Drops Hollywood to Join Army: ‘Serve You and This Country’
Questions or comments? Please write to us here.
– Content: +1Share:
– Content: +1