Early Sunday morning, Army football player Larry Pickett Jr of Raleigh, North Carolina, rescued a man from a burning vehicle in Fort Montgomery, New York. His car had struck a utility pole, and despite the danger of live power lines, Pickett ran toward the wreck, pulled the man from the vehicle, and carried him to safety before the fire spread. When firefighters arrived on scene, the car was fully engulfed in flames.
Pickett’s dad praised his son, writing on social media, “Thank you Jesus that this man will live to see another day!” He says that his son is making an impact not only in the classroom and on the field at West Point but also in the community. Just two days earlier, Pickett made his collegiate football debut, recording his first tackle.
Army coach Jeff Monken also commended the sophomore safety, saying, “Larry's heroic actions embody everything we strive to instill in our cadet-athletes — courage, selflessness, and a willingness to put others before themselves.” Pickett, the nephew of former NFL player Ike Taylor, has a history of community service, including volunteer work and helping to build homes in Mexico. His family says they’re grateful for the first responders and call the moment a powerful display of courage and character.
Source: CBS SPORTS