Army football player Larry Pickett Jr. saves driver from burning car in Upstate New York crash
Share and Follow

An Army football player was captured on video courageously rescuing a man from a burning vehicle in Upstate New York, after the driver collided with a utility pole, resulting in sparks flying around the crash site.

Black Knights sophomore safety Larry Pickett Jr. sprang into action without hesitation when he noticed a car ablaze on Route 9W in Fort Montgomery early Sunday morning, as reported by WTVD.

Pickett Jr., 20, was returning from dinner in New York City with his family when they noticed the crash and he sprang into action.

“There was no discussion. My son just jumped right into action,” Larry Pickett Sr. told the outlet.

“It’s just amazing to see him in action. And it’s just not surprising because we’ve watched him his whole life do amazing things.”

Startling video posted on Facebook by his father shows his son fearlessly running toward the vehicle and pulling the man out from the driver’s seat.

Soon after moving the man to safety, the vehicle was fully engulfed in flames.

“Thank you Jesus that this man will live to see another day! I am so grateful for my son LJ for saving his life!” his father shared.

“He’s not only making an impact in the classroom and on the football field at the United States Military Academy at West Point, but he’s also contributing positively to his community!”

Pickett Sr. credited his son’s West Point training for giving him the courage to save the man’s life.

“This is more than a display of leadership; it’s a testament to the character West Point is building in him—a readiness to go into the line of fire, not just for his country, but for anyone who needs it,” he wrote.

“To see that courage and selflessness in action firsthand was truly incredible.”

Firefighters eventually responded to the crash site and extinguished the blaze, according to the Fort Montgomery Fire Department.

Pickett Sr. said he didn’t know the man’s exact condition but believed his injuries weren’t serious.

West Point also recognized Pickett Jr.’s “heroic actions” and wrote in a Facebook post Sunday that the young cadet “running towards danger to save lives is the embodiment of the Army Values and Warrior Ethos.”

Pickett Sr. also revealed to WRAL that even before his son attended West Point, he was driven by a desire to help others.

“I remember right before we brought him to West Point, he actually chased down somebody that was shoplifting from a store in Raleigh,” he said.

“It was like, ‘LJ, that’s dangerous. Like, you don’t know what he could have had on him.’ It’s just his instinct to be there and to help people, and obviously his training at West Point.”

The 20-year-old safety is a native of Raleigh, NC, and was a standout two-way football player for Enloe High School, according to his West Point bio.

Pickett Jr. is the nephew of former Pittsburgh Steelers star and two-time Super Bowl champion Ike Taylor, who spent 12 seasons in the NFL.

Beyond football, Pickett Jr. devotes his time to serving others — volunteering as a youth ambassador at Raleigh’s Marbles Kids Museum and traveling with his parents to Mexico to help build homes for families in need.

The 6’1″, 195-pound safety made his Army debut in Friday’s game against Tarleton State, which Army lost in double overtime.

Share and Follow
You May Also Like
US seeks UN authorization for Gaza international force lasting through 2027 under Trump plan

US Proposes UN-Backed International Force for Gaza Until 2027 as Part of Trump Initiative

The United States has presented its proposal for Gaza to the United…
Kim Jong-un sends troops to Russia to clear deadly minefields for Putin’s war

North Korea Deploys Troops to Aid Russia in Minefield Clearance During Ongoing Conflict

In a striking display of military collaboration, Russia’s defense ministry has unveiled…
Video shows woman throwing dog over University Veterinary Center clinic fence in plastic bag in Anaheim, California

Shocking Video: Woman Caught on Camera Tossing Dog in Plastic Bag Over Anaheim Vet Clinic Fence

In Anaheim, California, authorities have launched an investigation following a disturbing incident…
One of the year’s best meteor shows peaks this weekend: Here's when and where to watch

Spectacular Meteor Shower Reaches Its Peak This Weekend: Your Guide to Optimal Viewing Times and Locations

This weekend, sky enthusiasts are in for a treat as the Leonid…
Trump rages at 'weak Republicans' over Epstein whiplash

Trump Criticizes Fellow Republicans Amid Epstein Controversy

Donald Trump has called on Pam Bondi to launch an investigation into…
Archeologists discover an Atlantis-like metropolis at the bottom of a lake

Underwater City Unearthed: Archaeologists Find Ancient Metropolis Beneath Lake Surface

The legendary tale of Atlantis, as told by Plato, has resurfaced with…
Heart-stopping video shows moment BASE jumper is rescued on Utah canyon face

Dramatic Helicopter Rescue Saves BASE Jumper Stuck on Canyon Cliff

A thrilling rescue operation unfolded near Moab, Utah, earlier this week, when…
Antifa members indicted in Texas ICE facility riot, attempted murder of officer

Texas ICE Facility Riot Leads to Indictment of Antifa Members on Attempted Murder Charges

Nine individuals associated with an Antifa group were indicted on Friday, and…