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Malik Willis: NFL prospect goes viral for giving all his new clothes to homeless woman

The 22-year-old Willis gave a suitcase full of new Nike clothes to a homeless pregnant woman, whom he found sitting with her son on the sidewalk

A college footballer, who will probably play for the NFL in the future, has gone viral on the internet for a good reason. Malik Willis is a quarterback for the Liberty Flames and also a senior at Liberty University in Lynchburg, Virginia. Currently, the young man is reportedly in Indianapolis, Indiana, to take part in the 2022 NFL scouting combine that takes place every year in February at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis.

On Thursday, March 3, Willis had gone to attend a Nike event where he was given a suitcase full of branded new clothes by the sportswear brand. However, instead of taking everything, the 22-year-old donated a number of new clothes and other items to a homeless pregnant woman, whom he found sitting with her son on the sidewalk.

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His kindness was captured on camera by a Twitter user named Ryan Lacey who was nearby watching the heart-warming scene. Willis reportedly had no idea that someone was admiring his kind act as well as recording it. Sharing the video on the social media platform, Lacey wrote: “Was having lunch yesterday and saw one of the Combine guys helping out someone on some hard times… @malikwillis being great even when nobody is watching. How can you not be a fan of this guy?”

In no time, the 16-second clip of Willis helping the homeless woman went viral with more than three million views and numerous comments. A user appreciating the football player said, “This is Malik Willis just being himself, sharing from his ♥️ because that is where Christ dwells within him, and he is quietly doing what we are called to do.” Rex Chapman, US former professional basketball player, tweeted: “Let’s. Fckng. Go. Someone raised this young man the right way.” “Wish there were more people in the world like this dude!!!” another user commented.

A person shared, “Need more young people with this type of character.” The second person noted: “nice gesture by a phenomenal young man by all accts. I’ve spoken to a handful of people who have been around him during his tenure at Liberty…. Nothing but praise for his character!!! Will def root for him whenever god places him.” The third one tweeted, “Wasn’t familiar with @malikwillis before now (had heard about Liberty’s success/just not exactly who their standout players were), but I’m a fan from here on. What a great young man. The world needs MUCH more of his character and energy. Will try to pay his example forward.”

However, there were some on the Internet who tried to suggest that the whole thing was staged since Lacey, who posted the video on Twitter, is in the business of "sports marketing and brand building". A user said, “Wish this video was taken from some random person and not from a sports marketing and branding guy. Would feel more authentic.” The second one remarked: “Yeah man, totally unusual for a sports marketing and branding guy to be in town and be having lunch across from the stadium during the NFL Combine, that would never happen.”

“You are a sports marketer lol just admit that it was staged. Everyone these days has to record themselves doing charity so they can get a pat on the back. This kid just wants to look good so he can get drafted,” a tweet read.