Darius Fleming, Hero: Patriots Linebacker Saved a Woman from a Burning Car Last Week

During last year's AFC Championship Game against the Indianapolis Colts, Patriots linebacker Darius Fleming recovered a muffed punt early in the first quarter to set up his team's first score of the day. Fleming came up big in a high-pressure situation.

Fleming also came up big in a high-pressure situation last week – however, not on the field but off it.

According to a Facebook post by Fleming's high school St. Rita of Cascia in Chicago, the 26-year old saved a woman's life two days prior to the Patriots' divisional round playoff game against the Kansas City Chiefs:

It's an understatement to say we are proud of New England Patriot Darius Fleming, St. Rita Class of 2008. Darius stepped up to play a key role at Linebacker in the Patriots' playoff win over the weekend, but two days earlier made an even bigger impact.

He helped save a woman from a burning vehicle by kicking through her car window to help her escape. In doing so, he suffered a cut to his leg that required 22 stitches to close.

On and off the field, Ritamen like Darius do great things. Keep up the great work, Darius, & thank you for your courage.

According to media reports, Fleming, who is in his second season with the Patriots, witnessed a three-car accident on Route 1 near Gillette Stadium on Thursday night and found the woman unable to get out of her car. He kicked against the window thrice before it finally broke.

Despite the cut on his leg, Fleming was active two days later for the Patriots' 27-20 victory over the visiting Chiefs. He played 26 snaps (10 on defense, 16 on special teams) and finished the game with one assisted tackle.

Thank you, Darius, for risking your own well-being for someone else's.

A true Patriot.