From flat tire to kickoff: Cardinals fans save the day as they help Jesse Luketa reach stadium on time for Rams game
GLENDALE, ARIZONA: Arizona Cardinals linebacker Jesse Luketa encountered an unexpected hurdle on his way to the State Farm Stadium for the team's clash against the Los Angeles Rams on Sunday, November 25, as his car got a flat tire.
However, in a stroke of luck, some Cardinals fans helped out the star player so that he could join the game as per the intended schedule.
Jesse Luketa's desperate highway encounter
According to Fox10, recounting the unexpected turn of events, Luketa shared that despite leaving the team hotel with ample time, his journey was disrupted by the flat tire notification.
Attempting a quick fix at a gas station proved futile, leading to a moment of desperation on the highway.
"I get on the highway, all of a sudden, I get a notification – tire issues – so I think it's a situation where I can put some air, make it to the gas station... wasn't working. explainedLuketa explained.
He added, "So as I'm sitting here, I look to my right, I see a family – they're in Cardinals gear. It looks like they're going to the stadium, so I'm like, ‘I have absolutely nothing to lose."
"I just yell out, ‘You guys going to the stadium?’ He looks at me a little crazy. He's like, ‘Yeah.’ I'm like, 'I'm a player. I've got a flat tire, can you guys help me out? I need a ride to the stadium," mentioned the linebacker.
Jesse Luketa's timely arrival and grateful gesture
To Luketa's relief, the family responded warmly to his plea for help, as he recalled, "He walks back to the car, talks to his wife… he's like, 'Heck yeah, come on.' They got me there on time. I had a blast talking to his kids the whole way there. I made it there on time, that's all she wrote."
They invited Luketa to join them on their way to the stadium. Grateful for their timely assistance, the Cardinals player cherished the lively conversation with the family's children throughout the journey and managed to arrive at the stadium punctually.
Expressing his profound gratitude on social media, Luketa sought a way to thank the benevolent family. He expressed his desire to gift them tickets for the Cardinals' upcoming home game against the San Francisco 49ers on December 17.
"Beyond grateful for them," wrote Luketa in a social media post, emphasizing his wish to find their contact information to facilitate the gesture of appreciation.
True Story! Beyond grateful for them, I need some help getting their contact information would love to provide them with tickets to our next home game! https://t.co/qcbGQMsDOX
— Jesse Luketa 🇨🇦🇨🇩 (@OttawasVeryOwn) November 26, 2023