Carolina Panthers running back Christian McCaffrey is being credited with saving the life of an elderly man who fell 20 feet onto a rock while hiking in Colorado.
McCaffrey and a group of friends witnessed Dan Smoker Sr., 72, tumble onto the rock on Saturday, according to Bleacher Report.
McCaffrey called 911 before coming to Smoker’s aid. Like a true hero, he credited the first responders for saving Smoker.
“Everybody stepped up,” he said. “I called 911, and it felt like an eternity. It felt like we were up there waiting for four hours. But I looked back at my call log and it took 11 minutes before the paramedics came. Amazing what those guys did.”
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On Twitter, Smoker’s son, Dan Smoker Jr., called McCaffrey and his friends “great football players” but “even better humans.” Not only did they save Smoker Sr., but they comforted the injured man’s 13-year-old grandson as well during the ordeal.
Michael Mann, @run__cmc and @notoriousmax25 are great football players, but even better humans. Yesterday, they helped save my dads life after he fell off of Castle Rock. They comforted my son when he was alone. Then showed up at the hospital to check in. @AdamSchefter @espn pic.twitter.com/MVAdbr2gYV
— Dan Smoker (@dsmokexu) March 4, 2018
Because of Michael Mann, @notoriousmax25, @run__cmc and a few other amazing folks, my 13yo son isn't telling a story about how he went on a hike with his grandpa and his grandpa died. He's telling a story of strength, hope, and human goodness. @AdamSchefter @espn
— Dan Smoker (@dsmokexu) March 6, 2018
“I credit them with saving my dad’s life,” Smoker said.
Prayers are still needed for the family as Smoke Sr. recovers from several severe injuries. He suffered a broken femur, a broken pelvis, internal bleeding, bleeding on the brain, nine fractured ribs and a broken neck. As of earlier this week, he was in critical but stable condition.
McCaffrey has spoken about his faith in the past, while a star player at Stanford University.
“So when you see me take the field, know that I’m playing for more than just football. I have a strong faith in God,” he said in 2016. “I don’t think He’s looking down on me and hoping that I score touchdowns. Nah, He just wants to see that I did my absolute best on that particular day.”
(H/T: Bleacher Report)