The NFL preseason is fake, garbage football that leads to a fake, garbage experience for fans itching to see some real action. But this -- this almost makes the preseason worthwhile.
Steve Smith Sr. of the Baltimore Ravens was ejected from his team's weekend warmup game against Washington. Bummer? Not at all, actually. Smith simply changed into his street clothes, then joined his kids in the stands to watch the rest of the game as a fan -- leading to one epic Snapchat post and 15 minutes of ensuing fame for his young son.
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Here's how it all went down. An ugly, potentially very dangerous hit by Washington set off a scuffle between the two teams Saturday night. Smith, 36 years old and a longtime star in the league, got involved. There was some pushing, some shoving, some tussling and some aggro mouth-running. Smith was ejected for his efforts. The entire sequence is shown here:
After being ejected, Smith gave fans an exaggerated mock bow on his way off the field. (Hang on; we're almost to the good part.)
At this point, Smith could have showered and watched the rest of the game on TV from the locker room. He could have trashed the locker room in a post-ejection rage. He could have simply gone home.
But he did none of the above.
No, Smith apparently remembered it was a preseason game he'd been tossed out of -- and thus meaningless by definition. So he decided to hike up the stands to spend some quality time with family. Before the game on the field had ended without him, Smith's son Peyton posted this family photo thanking the NFL.
1st time I've ever gotten to watch a game with my dad. Thanks @NFL pic.twitter.com/8qyhHaKZJY— P (@peytondsmith) August 30, 2015
Peyton spent the rest of the weekend as Internet royalty, but didn't forget to thank the fans:
Goodnight Twitter. Thanks for a once in a lifetime experience — P (@peytondsmith) August 30, 2015
The NFL regular season kicks off Sept. 10.