A disabled New York Giants fan in the stands at MetLife Stadium was struggling to rise to his feet for the National Anthem and, in a moment of true sportsmanship, a fan of the opposing New Orleans Saints reached over and helped him to his feet.
The gesture took place Sunday when the Saints met the Giants on their home turf in New Jersey and defeated them 33-18, 12Up reported.
Sports fans are known to heckle one another in the stands which is why the incident, captured by Nola.com photographer Michael DeMocker and shared on Twitter, was so special.
The image generated a flood of support and praise.
“This is what sports is all about,” said one Twitter user.
“Simple gestures...lead to more from others who see them,” another Twitter user replied. “This is life, this is love, this is how we all should act towards one another.”
Others pointed out the stark difference between the incident and the movement in which athletes were taking a knee in protest of racial and social injustices.
“Who's this guy?? He can help the kneelers stand,” said one Twitter user while another noted there were still able-bodied NFL players “taking a knee voluntarily.”
Last month, four Midland boys also caused a sensation in Michigan when they stopped on the side of the road to honor the national anthem played at a high school football game.
As “The Star-Spangled Banner” began, a handful of students rushed to the field to make the game, but four Bullock Creek High School students stopped in their tracks and took their hats off to salute the flag.
The moment was shared to Facebook by a passerby, who applauded the four students for their patriotism.
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