Videos: Verizon honors first responders with Super Bowl commercials

By News Staff

Verizon’s “All Our Thanks” campaign honors first responders by highlighting stories of NFL stars who would not be here if it weren’t for the heroic actions of firefighters, EMS providers and police officers.

The campaign consists of a series called “The Team That Wouldn’t Be Here” and was showcased during 12 commercials that ran during the Super Bowl. Each commercial features an NFL player, and one coach, whose life was saved by first responders.

Here are their stories.

Oakland Raiders quarterback AJ McCarron

McCarron was saved by first responders after losing control of a jet ski and crashing into a pier when he was a child.

Houston Texans defensive end Carlos Watkins

Watkins said his “life flashed before his eyes” when he was involved in a vehicle crash that resulted in the death of his cousin.

Jacksonville Jaguars long snapper Carson Tinker

First responders found Tinker after he was thrown 70 yards when his house was lifted by a violent tornado that struck Tuscaloosa, Alabama.

San Francisco 49ers cornerback Adrian Colbert

Colbert spent a week in the hospital unconscious after being hit by a vehicle while riding his bike.

New York Jets linebacker Harvey Langi

Langi said he “almost lost everything” in a chain reaction vehicle crash that seriously injured him and his future wife.

Green Bay Packers linebacker Clay Matthews

Matthews’ mother credits the quick response of EMS providers for his life after he flipped his scooter and slammed into the concrete as a child.

Seattle Seahawks Naz Jones

Jones said EMS providers worked to keep him calm in the ambulance when he became paralyzed from the waist down due to complex regional pain syndrome.

Baltimore Ravens tight end Mark Andrews

Andrews, who has type 1 diabetes, was saved by first responders after he was found unresponsive and paralyzed due to low blood sugar.

New York Jets running back De’Angelo Henderson

Henderson said it “wasn’t his time” when his vehicle was struck, causing his car to go airborne and land on top of another vehicle.

Tennessee Titans center Ben Jones

Jones was rushed to the hospital after suffering a blood clot in his brain in a freak accident at a high school baseball game.

Atlanta Falcons Safety Ricardo Allen

Allen said first responders “knew all the right steps to take” after a grease fire broke out in his family’s home.

Los Angeles Chargers Coach Anthony Lynn

Lynn was rushed to the hospital in critical condition after he was struck in a hit-and-run while crossing the street.