NFL alum Braylon Edwards planned a routine workout at his local YMCA in Farmington Hills (MI) last Friday but what ensued was anything but ordinary.
The 41-year-old Edwards walked into the locker room at the facility where an apparent altercation over loud music was occurring. At first, he stayed apart from the argument.
“However, the noise escalated and then you could hear some pushing and shoving,” Edwards later told local Detroit station WDIV, “and then some tussling and you start to hear some fists. But once I heard a thud, that’s what got me to turn around. I saw this younger guy grab the back of the victim’s head by the hair and he was about to slam it down on the counter. That’s what got me to move in and ‘subdue’ the younger guy.”
The age difference between the two combatants was significant. The aggressor was in his 20s and the older victim in his 80s. The Farmington Hills Police Chief was lavish in his praise of Edwards’ quick action.
“As evidenced by the significant injuries inflicted on the victim” Police Chief Jeff King explained, “it is clear that Mr. Braylon Edwards’ intervention played a pivotal role in saving the victim’s life. This is a horrific incident, but the selfless efforts by Mr. Edwards embody the best in our society.”
The assailant fled the YMCA after Edwards stepped in but police soon captured him. He was arraigned over the weekend and remained in jail on a charge of assault with intent to murder. The victim was taken to a nearby hospital in critical but stable condition.
“This was a vicious, senseless attack,” Oakland County Prosecutor Karen McDonald said. “I commend the witness (Edwards) who intervened, and we will seek justice for this victim.”
Braylon Edwards retired from the NFL after the 2012 season. He played as an outstanding wide receiver for the Jets, 49ers and Seahawks after being the Browns’ first-round pick in the 2005 Draft. He is a Detroit native who already was considered a fan favorite in his home state after setting several season and career school records at the University of Michigan.
“At the end of the day,” Edwards says in summarizing last week’s incident, “I just did what was right, much like a lot of other good people in this world.”
We at NFL Alumni join those who congratulate Braylon Edwards for his heroic actions. We are proud to call him our brother.
