Former NFL football player who pulled a man from a burning car given the highest award for civilian heroism

A former NFL football player has been given the highest award a civilian in the United States can be given. The Carnegie Medal is an award is rarely handed out and former NFL defensive end Brandon Bair of the Philadelphia Eagles was given the honor. The Carnegie Medal is given to heroes in North America “who enter extreme danger while saving or attempting to save the lives of others.”

Bair may have never won a Super Bowl, but he saved a man’s life after his semi was struck by a train and burst into flames.

Bair called the police, but knew he had to race into action to save the young man’s life.

Bair jumped out of his car and was able to pull the driver Steven Jenson to safety. The 25-year-old man escaped with burns and other injuries but was able to recover.

The 37-year-old former football player for the Eagles, Chiefs, and Raiders retired in 2015 after going undrafted out of Oregon.

The Carnegie Hero Fund Commission, per the Kansas City Star, said Bair will receive a financial grant.