Now there's a headline we did not expect to be writing anytime soon.
Baltimore Ravens running back Alex Collins - formerly of the Seattle Seahawks - was upset when he saw a kid being bullied for taking up Irish dancing last year, so he decided to set an example by trying it himself, knowing that he could help a young fan feel better and also improve his footwork at the same time.
As per baltimoreravens.com, Collins responded after a mother reached out, and felt that he had to act.
People don’t want to be the first person. They don’t want to be that person that’s being made fun of. This little kid, I put myself in his shoes and I just imagined him trying to chase his dreams and people making fun of him and then him possibly quitting when that could be something that he really pursued in the future.
A lovely sentiment, but Collins actually did put his feet in the kid's shoes as he took up Irish dancing and has kept it up for over a year. The Ravens today uploaded a clip of Collins dancing with one of his classmates and it has gone down very well indeed.
.@Budda03 has a unique skill set for an NFL RB: Irish dancing
How it helps his footwork & makes him an inspiration: https://t.co/MkuZsog1NE pic.twitter.com/MxReW5TQiT— Baltimore Ravens (@Ravens) October 12, 2017
Not bad!
And as for those who will mock an NFL player for their decision to take up Irish dancing? That is not going to bother Alex Collins one bit as he knows it is beneficial to his career.
I have my own little routine. I have my own hard shoes and everything. People made fun of me, and I’m like, ‘It helps with my footwork and my conditioning.’
Good man yourself Alex.
He has shown signs of promise so far this season rushing for 261 yards on 37 attempts, averaging just over 7 yards per carry. Hopefully he sticks with the Irish dancing and can continue to improve in the NFL, because he seems like a stand-up guy.
You can read more about his fondness for Irish dancing over on BaltimoreRavens.com.
