New England Patriots linebacker Darius Fleming is being hailed as a hero after pulling a woman from her vehicle following a collision.
The incident took place on Thursday, Jan. 14, just two days before the team’s playoff win over the Kansas City Chiefs, paving the Patriots’ way to the AFC Championship.
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It was not made public until Fleming’s high school posted a tribute detailing the rescue on its Facebook page late Tuesday.
“It’s an understatement to say we are proud of New England Patriot Darius Fleming, St. Rita Class of 2008. Darius stepped up to play a key role at Linebacker in the Patriots’ playoff win over the weekend, but two days earlier made an even bigger impact,” the post starts.
It says Fleming kicked out the window of the car to help the woman escape. In the process, Fleming received cuts to his leg which required 22 stitches.
“Keep up the great work, Darius, & thank you for your courage.”
The 26-year-old Chicago native was driving home from practice in Foxborough, Mass. at the time of the rescue.
Fleming told reporters about the rescue Wednesday, saying he kicked the window three times before it gave way, CBS reports. He then helped the woman out, pulling her away from the vehicle before noticing his own injuries.
“Once I saw my leg was bleeding pretty bad, I was like ‘You’re good, let me go make sure I’m alright because I got a game coming up,’” Fleming said.
Fleming remains humble about the rescue.
“I never experienced anything like that. I don’t think it was that crazy. But I’m just glad that I was there to be able to help her.”
A police statement on the incident called Fleming a “Good Samaritan” who had assisted at the scene.
The Patriots will face the Denver Broncos in the AFC Championship Sunday.
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