Malik Willis, a senior at Liberty University and a quarterback for the Liberty Flames, was in Indianapolis, Indiana, for the 2022 NFL scouting combine.
The 22-year-old had just left a Nike event where the sportswear brand had gifted him a suitcase full of new clothes. When he got outside, he saw a homeless woman and her son sitting on the sidewalk. He stopped, opened his suitcase, and gave her some new shirts.
Why an NFL Prospect Gave His New Nike Clothes to a Homeless Woman
The act of kindness was captured on camera from across the street by admirer Ryan Lacey and shared on Twitter.
Lacey captured Willis with his swag-packed suitcase wide open on the sidewalk as he dug around for pieces to give the woman, whose back is to the camera.
He appears to have already given her several items, including at least two items of clothing still in their plastic wrapping and what looks like a backpack at her feet; he then reaches in again and hands her another item of clothing.
RELATED: 11-Year-Old Whose Father Died Unable to Attend Dad-Daughter Dance - Then, a Famous NFL Player Steps in
The video quickly went viral, and in just a day was viewed over 3.1 million times on Twitter.
“I walked past her on the way to the Nike suite and I chopped it up with them and I walked out with a suitcase and whatnot,” Willis told the NFL Network.
And I felt bad because I saw her son. It was a pregnant lady and she was homeless. And I was just like, ‘Shoot, I don't have no money, but I can give you a couple of shirts.'
Malik Willis to the NFL Network
How One Small Act of Kindness Can Turn Someone's Day Around
Was having lunch yesterday and saw one of the Combine guys helping out someone on some hard times…@malikwillis being great even when nobody is watching. How can you not be a fan of this guy? pic.twitter.com/BmFzUM66NU
Ryan Lacey (@rlacey23) March 3, 2022
Willis said he didn't know anybody was watching his spontaneous act of kindness.
I just felt like I had to do that. I mean, I'm at a position right now where I'm not worried about much of anything except getting better. So, if I can help her out any way, I felt like I had to.
Malik Willis to the NFL Network
Willis showed that he’s about more than just football and appears to be someone that would use his privilege as a professional athlete to help those who are less fortunate. But you don't have to be a superstar to help those that are less fortunate. Each one of us can contribute in making someone's day better.
More Uplifting News from Goalcast:
- 11-Year-Old Whose Father Died Unable to Attend Dad-Daughter Dance - Then, a Famous NFL Player Steps in
- Police Officer Sees a Homeless Woman Living in Her Car - And Helps Buy Her... a New House?
- 5-Year-Old Gives His Last 30 Cents to a Homeless Man - Teaches His Own Dad a Lesson
- Stranger Walks By Homeless Poet - Her Kindness Leads to an Unexpected Reunion
