One NFL player's biggest moment came far away from the field, but counted for much more.
Foul play
Justin Herron is not your average civilian. At a hulking 6'5" and 305 pounds, he is an offensive lineman recently drafted by the New England Patriots football team.
One morning, he was training for his second season at Kiwanis Park in Tempe Arizona when he heard a woman screaming for help.
As he approached the commotion, he saw a man forcing himself on a woman in broad daylight. He couldn't believe his eyes.
"You see it in movies and TV all the time but you never think it would happen in real life until it does. In that moment, I was in shock"
- Justin Herron
His clutch play
Herron's instincts immediately kicked in, he explained to CBSN Boston.
"I just knew that in that moment I had to go and had to put a stop to it"
- Justin Herron
Despite his adrenaline rushing, Herron was remarkably mindful of not hurting the man.
"I'm a football player, I'm kind of big," Herron told the Arizona Republic.
"I try not to be too aggressive with people knowing I could potentially hurt somebody. I do have a loud voice. I yelled, told him to get off of her, and then yanked him off and I told him to sit down and I told him to wait until the cops come."
Meanwhile, Herron helped take the 71-year-old victim away from the scene "to begin the healing process."
Honored
Police quickly arrived on the scene and arrested 30-year-old Kevin Caballero. He was charged with kidnapping and attempt to commit sexual assault.
In honor of his bravery, the Tempe police department awarded Herron the Outstanding Citizen certificate.
However, Herron is quick to downplay any hero talk.
"There are so many heroes that go unnoticed on a daily basis. I was just doing what anyone else would do in that moment"
- Justin Herron
See something, do something
Herron hopes that his experience sends a clear message to everyone, and that the event reminded him of a valuable lesson he learned long before joining the Patriots.
"My parents always talked to me about it, if there's someone in need, make sure you can help them and be the best you can be."
- Justin Herron
You don't need Herron's athletic pedigree to make a difference. Instead, trust your natural instincts when it comes to stepping in and impacting others positively however you can.
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