An NFL player, a FedEx driver, and kindness: How seemingly small actions have big consequences

'A true warrior'

The colorful cleats Packers running back Aaron Jones wore Sunday as part of the NFL's My Cause My Cleats campaign were designed by 12-year-old Ethan Haley, who has been battling cancer since 2018. 

Jones – who held a contest to design his cleats in a partnership with Northwestern Mutual – surprised Haley and his family by announcing the news that he would be choosing his design in a video call, and gifted Haley his own pair of the custom cleats as well as a No. 33 Jones jersey and a gift card to the Packers Pro Shop. 

“I was truly humbled to meet Ethan and his family. It tugged on the heartstrings a bit, but in an uplifting way, because his smile and positivity is so infectious,” Jones said of their virtual meeting. 

Sporting Haley's design, Jones rushed for 130 yards on Sunday – including a highlight-reel, 77-yard scamper that sealed the contest. 

FedEx driver delivers in a BIG way

Aubrey Robinson would drive past 11-year-old Eli Maines shooting hoops on a goal that was rusty and bent while she was making deliveries. In a touching act of kindness, the FedEx driver secretly bought the young boy a new hoop.     

Must-read stories

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• 'Overwhelmed by all the love and support': Colts punter says his surgery to remove a cancerous tumor was successful. 
• Setting the record straight: Mike Freeman pushes back on the narrative that there aren't enough candidates of color to fill vacant NFL coaching positions. 
• 'I'm embarrassed': Disgraced former Reds broadcaster Thom Brennaman discussed the incident that took him off the air.  
• Breaking LeBron's record: Former President Barack Obama's high school basketball jersey sells for a record $192,000.
• 'Statement of a fool': Michigan's AD had some thoughts about Kirk Herbstreit saying the Wolverines could use COIVD as an excuse to not play Ohio State. 

Quick hits

• Army and Navy will have some special uniforms for their annual rivalry matchup. 
• Buster Douglas wants a rematch with Mike Tyson.   
• The story behind viral 'Deep Dish Pizza is Overrated' sign at Bears-Packers game.
• LeBron has reached a two-year contract extension with the Lakers.  
• We got Wednesday afternoon football last week and it was definitely something.  
• Lou Holtz received the Presidential Medal of Freedom. 
• John Wall, the first overall pick in the 2010 draft, was finally traded by the Wizards.
• Dan Le Batard will be leaving ESPN in 2021.   

Must-watch videos from Sportskind

• Chargers defensive end organizes drive-thru holiday meal service for 450 deserving families in the Santa Ana community.
• When 12-year-old Kaiden told his dad he made the basketball team, his dad leaped out of bed and chased him around their home. 

Top-shelf advice from Reviewed.com 

• The 25 best health and fitness gifts of 2020.
• 11 easy and effective at-home exercises for older adults.
• 8 quality bike pumps that will make riding your bike even better.

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