There are a lot of professional athletes who thank those who serve this country when they're asked to do it by their respective leagues. But very few of them do something like what DeAngelo Williams did earlier today on his own.
The Panthers running back was scheduled to take a flight this morning and fly business class. But when he noticed a Marine sitting nearby, he instead decided to switch tickets with the man in order to show his respect. He sent out this tweet to let everyone know what he had done:
I always give up my seat to military if my seat is better! I truly appreciate our troops #flyingtherightway pic.twitter.com/pptilEg6xi
— DeAngelo Williams (@DeAngeloRB) July 7, 2014
It should be noted that a few people out there questioned the authenticity of the Marine after seeing Williams' tweet and said that he might not actually be a Marine after all:
@DeAngeloRB Don't give up your seat without asking a few basic questions, something fishy is up with him.
— Justin (@jamos14) July 7, 2014
@DeAngeloRB good for you. Although this guy is a poser and doesnt rate the uniform he is wearing. Cover indoors, shooting badge #StolenValor
— Jeremiah Culwell (@JeremiahCulwell) July 7, 2014
Looks like @DeAngeloRB Accidentally exposed a fake Marine.. #stolenvalor check it out and let me know if I'm wrong..
— Bobby Dell (@B_Dell81) July 7, 2014
But even if he wasn't a Marine, this was a really nice gesture that Williams made and we hope that it catches on and inspires other people. Some of Williams' fellow NFL players could certainly learn a thing or two from what he did.
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[via Sports Illustrated]