Football Icon Rescues Elderly Assault Victim from Perilous Situation

Former NFL star Braylon Edwards is being hailed as a hero after reportedly intervening to save the life of an elderly assault victim at a YMCA in Farmington Hills on March 1, 2024, according to WDIV reports.

Police arrested a 20-year-old suspect identified as Malik Ali Smith, who was charged with assault and is currently held on a $250,000 bond at the Oakland County Jail.

The victim, whose identity remains undisclosed, suffered serious facial injuries and was hospitalized in serious but stable condition after being knocked unconscious during the assault.

Farmington Hills Police Chief Jeff King expressed gratitude to Edwards and another unnamed citizen for their swift actions. The citizen alerted authorities after witnessing the suspect attempting to evade capture.

Edwards, a Detroit native, played college football for the Wolverines from 2001 to 2004 before embarking on an NFL career with the Cleveland Browns, New York Jets, San Francisco 49ers, and Seattle Seahawks.

Recalling the incident, Edwards told WDIV that he initially ignored the commotion but intervened upon hearing signs of a physical altercation. He witnessed the attacker attempting to slam the victim’s head onto a counter and intervened, potentially saving the victim’s life.

Acknowledging the severity of the situation, Edwards emphasized the importance of his intervention, stating that he only realized the gravity of the situation after speaking with authorities.

Farmington Hills Police credited Edwards with saving the victim’s life, highlighting the critical role of immediate intervention during ongoing assaults.

The incident occurred around 10:45 a.m., and officers arrived to find the victim unconscious with severe injuries in the men’s locker room. Edwards, who witnessed the attack, intervened and subdued the suspect before alerting authorities.

Using YMCA membership records, investigators identified the suspect and apprehended him with the help of a drone and K-9 unit after an alert citizen reported his location.