Posted on 07/07/2020 12:02:01 PM PDT by Red Badger
WR Phillip Blanks dives to catch a 3-year old boy dropped from a burning, 3rd floor Phoenix apartment. I just spoke to the former Marine who says he was put on this earth to protect people.
KALAMAZOO Catching a child who was dropped from a burning building was just Phillip Blanks doing his job.
The retired U.S. Marine and former football player at Kalamazoo Central High School doesnt want special recognition for helping save a 3-year-old boy from an apartment fire in Phoenix, Arizona. Blanks, a body guard today, said protecting others is just part of his job.
Blanks credits his training as a marine and security officer and instincts for his reaction.
It was all fast, it was a blur. It was tunnel vision as I was running. I didnt see anything but the baby.
Blanks, 28, caught the young boy who was dropped from an apartment balcony Friday, July 3.
The boy and an 8-year-old girl were both taken to the hospital. The childrens mother died in the fire.
The Kalamazoo native served four years in the military after completing one year at Kalamazoo Valley Community College, Blanks said in an interview with MLive. Prior to college, he played four years as a wide receiver and linebacker at Kalamazoo Central.
He moved to Arizona about a year ago and currently works in executive protection, or as a body guard, he said. He was at a friends apartment for a workout Friday morning when he heard people yelling outside and he jumped into action, Blanks said.
I wasnt able to grab my shoes, Blank said. I ran down the stairs barefoot
As I was running, I see the baby getting ready to be tossed out of the patio, Blanks said. Next thing you know, hes helicoptering in the air and I catch him. Blanks said the childs foot was injured in the fall but that his head and major organs were protected.
His skin was melting off of his body, Blanks said. He was bleeding.
Right place, right time. Well done!
a true hero!
Is he really a “former” Marine or just not active duty anymore?
Outstanding, jarhead.
That’s a man. Don’t see many of those anymore.
I did not see a video anywhere.
from the article: the boy tumbled down and the former marine, tracked the small boy with the attention of a bird of prey. As the boy’s body was in reach, the former wide receiver of the Louisiana Delta High School Alligators, brought the boy to his chest and rolled backward somersaulting to take the bulk of the energy to his chest. As the young man stood with the unhurt boy in his arms, the crowd went wild, cheering at the top of their lungs as if he had just caught the winning touchdown. As if by reflex, the young man spun on his heels and spiked the young boy into the pavement in celebration.
Wide receiver catching a baby.. no big deal for him.
Imagine if john fin kerry tried to catch the baby.. face plant
Thanks for sharing this. Marines rock!
No. You are confusing pro and collegiate athlete with professional sheepdog.
The Marine just did right. No fanfare, no personal glory just the reward of having done right.
Thank you Marine.
The spectators ought to slink away in shame.
It’s young people like this who are the hope for the Republic’s survival, not the ones you see rioting and burning.
Thanks. I needed a chuckle.
t8r- LOL !!! Cute
Awesome job Marine. Thank You for Your Service.
Just WOW.
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