RALEIGH, N.C. (WTVD) — An Enloe High School graduate and star athlete became a real-life hero this weekend when he saved a man from a burning vehicle.
Larry Pickett Jr., who now plays football for Army, and his family were on the way back from dinner Saturday night in Times Square, when they saw a vehicle crash on Route 9W in Fort Montgomery.
Once they saw the car and the downed powerlines, Pickett and his father, Larry Pickett Sr., ran toward the vehicle and pulled the man out right before the car burst into flames.
The elder Pickett said they stayed with the man until first responders arrived.
"There was no discussion. My son just jumped right into action," Larry Pickett Sr. said. "He mentioned his military training kicked in, and we pulled him out. He took care of him on the side of the road until the police officers got there. And then the fire department got there shortly after."
Pickett is a sophomore safety for the Black Knights, and the Pickett family was in West Point for his football game on Friday. His father says his display of leadership is a testament to how the academy is helping to build his character and readiness to serve his country.
"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," the elder Pickett said.
Pickett says his son, known as "LJ," has talked about helping people in the future, perhaps staying in the military or becoming a firefighter.

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