Patriots linebacker Darius Fleming contributed two tackles in New England's 27-20 win over the Chiefs in the divisional round of the playoffs, but his actions two days ealier were far more impactful.
According to Fleming’s high school, St. Rita High School in Chicago, Fleming helped save a woman from a burning vehicle Thursday on Route 1 near Gillette Stadium by kicking in a window and pulling her from the car, which was involved in three-car accident. As a result of the kick, Fleming suffered two cuts to his leg that required 22 stitches.
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“She was attempting to kick the window out but she was a small lady,” Fleming said (via the Boston Globe). “I didn’t panic, but I was just like, ‘I got to get her out.’ I tried to break (the window) with my elbow, but that didn’t work, so I just started kicking the window. Eventually it broke, pulled her out, made sure she was OK, and I looked at my leg and I noticed it was bleeding pretty bad.”
Fleming first went to team trainers for treatment on his leg before heading to the hospital.
“It was a little freaky, but anyone in that situation would’ve done the same thing,” Fleming said. “It’s just, I was there. I’m glad I could help her.”
Walpole PD w statement, a "Good Samaritan" mentioned pic.twitter.com/TpDO8TSbAv
— Michele Steele (@ESPNMichele) January 20, 2016