Georgia Player Stops Traffic to Help Stranded Student

When a college student's truck sank into mud on Highway 316, only one person pulled over to help. That person was Georgia Bulldogs defensive lineman Xzavier McLeod.

Cameron Iorga watched dozens of cars pass his stranded son on the side of the road. Even police told them they couldn't assist with the stuck vehicle.

Then McLeod, wearing his Georgia gear, stopped his car and got to work. The defensive lineman helped pull the black Ram truck out of the mud, asking nothing in return.

Iorga was so moved by the act that he posted in the "UGA Parents" Facebook group, hoping to find McLeod's family. "You have raised a wonderful human being, you should be very proud of him," he wrote.

The post quickly went viral among Georgia fans. Parents and students flooded the comments with praise for the 6-foot-3 defensive lineman who transferred from South Carolina in 2023.

McLeod has been a key player on Georgia's defensive line for two seasons. This past year, he recorded 17 tackles as the Bulldogs won their second consecutive SEC championship.

Sunny's Take

This story captures what college athletics should be about. McLeod didn't stop because cameras were rolling or because he wanted recognition.

He stopped because someone needed help, and he had the ability to provide it. That's the kind of character that matters far more than any stat line.

For Iorga's son, a scary situation turned into a reminder that good people still exist. For McLeod's parents, it's confirmation that their lessons about kindness stuck.

And for Georgia fans, they now have one more reason to cheer for number 94 when he takes the field next fall.

Sometimes the most important plays happen off the field.