Social media can skew negative when it comes to stories about pro athletes, but occasionally a story gains traction that shows the brighter side of humanity.
That’s what happened when Seattle Seahawks fan Peyton Morris shared her personal anecdote about a Detroit Lions player on social media during Monday Night Football earlier this week.
@peytonmorris Some good deeds aren’t forgotten… but I am very torn 😂 #football #fypシ #fypage #fyppppppppppppppppppppppp #fypシ゚viral #seahawks #lions #nfl ♬ original sound – 🎶🎧
Morris posted a video to TikTok of a touchdown run by Lions running back David Montgomery with the caption, “When you’re a Seahawks fan, but the guy from high school that backed you up against a bully is on the Lions.” Morris can be seen afterward seemingly cheering on the Detroit touchdown.
The clip clearly struck a chord with users, as the post has amassed over 1.5 million views since Monday. It’s a simple story, but one that resonates. Wednesday, Morris took to TikTok again to further explain her viral post and reveal that the player in question was Lions guard Kayode Awosika.
@peytonmorris Replying to @jorge shoutout to @Kayode Awosika! Always cheering you on! #football #fypシ #fypage #fyppppppppppppppppppppppp #fypシ゚viral #lions #nfl #fyp @Detroit Lions ♬ original sound – Peyton Morris
According to her follow-up post, the pair went to junior high and high school together, and Awosika stood up for her even though the typical social hierarchy would separate jocks from less popular students, as Morris cast herself.
“I was not popular and he was one of the star players of the football team and the basketball team. And he had no reason that he needed to be nice to me, but he was. And that’s just the kind of person that he is. And because of that I am so excited for him. And I love seeing him succeed and watching him play. And it just makes me so happy when good things happen to good people. And he deserves all of the success, and I will always root for him.”
Morris’s story shows that a little grace can go a long way in a person’s life, and Awosika clearly made an impact on her. In a media atmosphere that so regularly highlights the negative, Morris provided us all with a breath of fresh air.
About Drew Lerner
Drew Lerner is a staff writer for Awful Announcing and an aspiring cable subscriber. He previously covered sports media for Sports Media Watch. Future beat writer for the Oasis reunion tour.