A soccer player from the army was filmed rescuing a man from a burning car in upstate New York after the vehicle crashed into a utility pole.
Rally Pickett Jr., a 20-year-old Black Knights safety, was returning home from dinner with his family in New York City when they witnessed the accident and he jumped into action.
“There was no discussion; my son acted quickly,” his father, Larry Pickett Sr., recounted. “It’s remarkable to see him take initiative—though knowing him, it’s not surprising at all.”
A striking video shared shows Pickett Jr. rushing to the car and pulling the driver to safety just moments before the vehicle was engulfed in flames.
“I thank Jesus that this man gets to live another day! I’m incredibly proud of my son for saving his life!” said his father.
According to Pickett Sr., the training at West Point shaped his son’s response to this emergency. “This isn’t just about showing leadership; it highlights the character that West Point instills in him. He’s prepared to help not only his country but also anyone in need,” he noted.
Following the incident, firefighters arrived and extinguished the fire. While Pickett Sr. wasn’t sure about the driver’s injuries, he believed they weren’t serious.
West Point has acknowledged Pickett Jr.’s “heroic behavior.” After the event, the young cadet shared, “Running toward danger to save lives truly embodies military values and the spirit of a warrior.”
Even before joining West Point, he was inclined toward helping others. His father reminisced about a time when Pickett Jr. followed a shoplifter out of a store just before heading off to the academy.
Pickett Jr., a 6’1″ and 195-pound safety, made his army football debut recently and has a strong family lineage, being the nephew of former NFL star Ike Taylor. Outside of football, he dedicates time to volunteering, including work at a children’s museum and building homes for families in need in Mexico.
