Woman shared picture with 'nicest young man' she met on flight — his real identity has people bewildered

Traveling can have wholesome experiences of its own. One of the reasons behind it is the encounters we have with strangers along the way at the most unexpected moments. You may recall having small talk with an unknown person because they are seated right beside you on the plane. For an elderly woman named Sandy Hawkins Combs, this similar experience was quite enchanting. Combs met a young man on her flight and admired his kind nature. Little did she know that what began as a simple and sweet conversation with a stranger would turn into a viral admiration on the internet. 

The elderly woman shared a post on Facebook with a selfie with the young man, and wrote, “I had the most wonderful flight home from Denver.” She explained how “the nicest young man” who sat beside her was ever so helpful and kind. “He offered to put my bag in the overhead compartment and helped me with my tray. He was always polite, saying ‘yes ma’am’ or ‘no ma’am,’” she wrote. Combs was surprised by the young gentleman’s kindness and was keen on sharing it. “Anyone would be proud to have him as a son or grandson—so polite,” she remarked. However, during her flight, she also noticed that there was something more to this seemingly polite stranger. 

Combs recalled how the man had a rapport with quite a few passengers. “People walking by were saying ‘Congratulations,’ ‘Great job,’ and even taking pictures,” she said. Out of curiosity, Combs thought to ask the man who he was. “I turned and asked him, ‘Who am I sitting next to?’” Immediately, Combs noticed the man was wearing sportswear. “I looked at his Jaguar pants, smiled and asked, ‘Are you an athlete?’” That’s when the man revealed his true identity, leaving the woman stunned even more. The passenger was none other than Travis Hunter, an American professional footballer and recent NFL draft pick for the Jacksonville Jaguars. 

“He smiled and said, ‘I’m Travis. Yes, I was drafted by the Jags,’” Combs recalled. A professional athlete, with all the fame around him but his simplicity and kindness stood out first and it’s what touched many others too. After that interaction, Combs is a new fan. “I already told my sons I want his jersey. He’s so humble and down-to-earth—I would have never guessed he was a professional athlete. JACKSONVILLE JAGS, you did good! I will be buying tickets,” she wrote in her caption, leaving hundreds mesmerized. The athlete who was recently drafted into the team is excited to work wonders.

He also shared a recent post with the news that he tied the knot with his partner, Leanna Lenee. “Just two kids living out everything they talked about at 18 & 19 years old,” he wrote, alongside a picture of the newlywed couple. Many commented on the post, in awe of Hunter and just wishing they stumbled upon an encounter like Combs’. Hannah Dustin-Lord wrote, “That’s awesome! The fact that you noticed a great person before knowing he’s a great athlete!” Keena White added, “That’s fantastic. Once in a lifetime. He is an awesome athlete.” Timothy Sanders remarked, “Cool!!! Sounds very humble.”