When journalist Delilah Cassidy returned to the States for a layover, time was of the essence—she had a plane to catch, and bags to check before boarding. Naturally, American Airlines just instituted a new policy that only complicated that process even further. Thanks to an unexpected act of kindness from a stranger, she managed to check in, catch her flight, and internalize how beautiful it is when people help each other out. The twist? It was Arizona Cardinals tight end Jermaine Gresham who was her savior, all along.
Fortunately for us, Cassidy live-tweeted the entire event from start to finish, which provides us with the novelty of reading a life-affirming short story filled with ups and downs, highs and lows, and a mysterious character who just so happened to be a world-famous, humble as hell celebrity. Get your milk and cookies out, and enjoy this tale of human excellence.
And now, for the photo-infused kicker—Cassidy and Gresham took a picture together once safely arrived at their destination.
For Cassidy, who’s not only a rabid sports geek but a professional sports journalist, this must’ve been even more surreal than she could’ve imagined. It isn’t just the fact that somebody, in a world as ego-driven and self-centered as ours, helped her out of a serious jam—it was an NFL player for a team whom she has apparently even reported on, too.
People are generally good-hearted, and mean well. We’re all striving for the same, basic things in life—well-being, a sense of purpose, and a healthy community. In times like these, when the NFL and President Trump are stalwart in their commitment to censor athletes from exerting their right to free speech, it’s pretty goddamn inspiring to see a good man help a woman in need. Now, for the more important news—American Airlines is charging people for carry-ons, now?
