The former Cleveland Browns and Michigan Wolverines wide receiver, Braylon Edwards, emerged as the state’s new hero a few months after their Natty win. Displaying the qualities of a good Samaritan, Edwards stepped in to defend an 80-year-old man in the YMCA locker room in Farmington Hills who was under assault by a 25-year-old man.
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The incident transpired earlier in March, following the elderly victim’s complaints and arguments about loud music in the said locker room. What began as a verbal altercation quickly escalated into a physical confrontation when the 25-year-old laid hands on the senior citizen, ultimately pushing him to the ground. Edwards, who just walked into the locker room, upon hearing the unsettling thud, realized that the situation he had initially tried to ignore had taken a more serious turn.
When the perp was about to slam the victim’s head on the counter, the former Jets receiver intervened and stepped in, saving the man from getting seriously injured. Edwards recently sat down with the local news and said,
“I walk into the locker room after work, and basically, I hear about four rows behind me arguing about music and how it was being played too loud. The noise escalates, and then you can hear some pushing and shoving, so you know what fighting sounds like, but once I hear a thud, that’s when I got up and turned around,” followed by, “And then I see the guy grab the back of the victim’s head by the hair, and he was about to slam it down on the counter.”
The perpetrator fled the scene on foot after attacking the victim, even causing a commotion outside of the YMCA locker room — and, as a result, police had to lock down several schools as a precaution. The 25-year-old has since been arrested and is currently in custody, as per Click On Detroit.
As soon as the news broke out, fans took to social media to express their gratitude for Edwards stepping in and to exemplify what it means to be a good Samaritan by helping others when the situation demands it.
Braylon Edwards’ Heroics Earned Him Respect from the Fans
Good job Mr Edwards! You are truly a hero. We need more people like you who will help a person in danger. Thank you from. Cleveland fan! ♥️
— anne burke (@anneburke14) March 3, 2024
Another chimed in and said,
Great job but what bloody 25 year old beats up on an 80 year old? Nice flex loser.
— John Ingham (@JJINGHAM) March 3, 2024
A fan quipped,
Now this is a great example for all professional athletes
— Dave Goush (@Guido227) March 4, 2024
Someone stated,
Good for him!! Give so much respect to men like him. What on earth is wrong with ppl doing such awful things to others!??
— Angela Johnson (@AngieJ1972) March 4, 2024
A user commented,
At least he got involved most ppl would have just pulled out there phone and videoed it
— Joey P (@jppodject) March 4, 2024
Others wrote,
Glad to hear he stepped in when someone needed his help, proud to say he played for my team
— derrick silkett (@derricksilk) March 3, 2024
It’s heartening to witness Edwards actively contributing to the community. It appears that he is turning a new leaf, garnering respect from fans, even those with whom he had a somewhat contentious relationship due to his longstanding beef with former Wolverine coach Jim Harbaugh.
In an era where many athletes, especially retirees, often make headlines for the wrong reasons, it is refreshing to see someone like Edwards in the news for the right reasons.
