Lamar Jackson Praises 9-Year-Old Zayin Berry for Heroic Act of Saving Abused Cat: 'True Example of Courage and Compassion'
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Yuma, AZ - October 15, 2025 - Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson has publicly praised 9-year-old Zayin Berry of Yuma, Arizona, for his courageous act of saving a cat from abuse at a local skatepark. Berry, who recently earned the title of "ASPCA Kid of the Year," traded his own skateboard to ensure the safety of a helpless animal, a gesture that has earned him widespread admiration.
"I've heard a lot about Zayin's incredible act, and I think it's just amazing," Jackson said in an emotional statement. "For a young kid to step up like that, to make such a selfless decision to help an animal in need, it really shows the kind of courage and heart he has. Zayin is a true example of kindness in action."
The incident occurred when Zayin spotted a cat being abused at the skatepark. Without hesitation, Zayin traded his beloved skateboard to the abuser in exchange for the cat's freedom, later naming the cat "Peaches" after ensuring its safety. The young boy's selfless actions not only saved the cat's life but also brought attention to the importance of compassion and standing up for those who cannot protect themselves.
"I just wanted to make sure Peaches was okay," Zayin said in a statement. "I knew I had to help her, so I gave up my skateboard. It felt like the right thing to do."
Jackson, who has been an advocate for community service and positive role models, shared his admiration for Zayin's bravery. "It's people like Zayin who make the world better," Jackson added. "He didn't think twice about doing what was right, even if it meant giving something important to him. That's the kind of character we need more of."
Zayin's actions have inspired not only the local community in Yuma but also countless others who have learned about his heroic gesture. His willingness to sacrifice something he valued to help an innocent animal serves as a reminder of the power of compassion and standing up for what is right.
Vikings HC Kevin O’Connell finally names a starting quarterback vs. Eagles between J.J. McCarthy and Carson Wentz
The Minnesota Vikings have had a quarterback controversy brewing over the last month, with the majority of that coming from the fact that both players have been dealing with injuries, with J.J. McCarthy having a high ankle sprain and Carson Wentz with a non-throwing shoulder.
During Friday’s press conference, head coach Kevin O’Connell announced that McCarthy would be questionable for the game and be the emergency third quarterback with Wentz getting the start.
Carson Wentz will start Sunday vs. Eagles
This will be Wentz’s fourth consecutive start with McCarthy, dealing with the rehab of his ankle injury. Where things are interesting with this entire discussion is that McCarthy will be the emergency third quarterback, so he is getting closer to returning.
“Carson Wentz will start the football game,” said O’Connell. “I thought he’s had a good week of practice as well as J.J. McCarthy. I was really proud of the work he put in, as he continues to push through the later stages of this rehab, feel good about him being available, but he will be the emergency third quarterback. We went into the last game with two and didn’t quite feel like that was the smartest thing to do, and feel good about where he’d be at if he had to play in that third quarterback capacity. So, Max [Brosmer] will back up Carson Wentz cannot wait to get to US Bank Stadium.”
This is a big aspect of this entire discussion. McCarthy is getting very close, but O’Connell has been steadfast about not forcing him back into the game.
“I think first and foremost, he’s got to get healthy,” said O’Connell after the Cincinnati Bengals game. “And then, throughout that process, I don’t think it’s one of those things where it’s, ‘Hey, the day he’s healthy.’ And if he’s healthy the night before a game, we’re going to just throw him out there and say, ‘Hey, go figure it out’ type of thing. I think we saw as phenomenal as he was getting prepared for the Atlanta game, he did miss practice that week. And when you’re in the phase of building up the 10,000 reps and 10,000 hours of what it takes to play the position at a very high level, which we know J.J. McCarthy is going to do, you can’t cut corners on that.”
With the Vikings being willing to have McCarthy dress but not force him into playing, we are getting closer to a return.
