Former Georgia football player goes viral for surprise grocery gift

A former Georgia Bulldog and current New Orleans Saints rookie is earning praise online after a simple act of kindness at a Louisiana grocery store.

According to a X post that has been widely shared, defensive tackle Christen Miller quietly paid for a stranger’s groceries after she offered to let him check out first because he only had one item.

Here’s what to know.

In a social media post, Leslie Perigo said she was shopping at a Rouses Market in Metairie, Louisiana, when a “very large gentleman” walked up behind her carrying a single bag of fresh shrimp.

Perigo said her groceries were already on the conveyor belt, so she told the cashier to let the man go ahead because he only had one item.

Instead, she said, he placed the shrimp on the belt and asked the cashier to ring up both purchases together.

According to Perigo, she initially declined, but the man smiled and told her:

“My momma always taught me to do good deeds, and I’d like to bless you today. Please don’t take that blessing from me.”

Perigo said he then wished her, “God bless you.”

Well done @fatchr7s ❤️ pic.twitter.com/BqX9vlAneI

— New Orleans Saints (@Saints) July 28, 2026

Perigo said she didn’t realize who the man was until another customer told the cashier he played for the New Orleans Saints.

The cashier reportedly ran outside to ask for his name, and he identified himself as Christen Miller.

Perigo said Miller never introduced himself as a professional football player or sought recognition for his gesture.

She ended her post by thanking his mother, writing, “And to Momma Miller, thank you.”

Miller is an Ellenwood, Georgia, native who attended Cedar Grove High School before playing defensive tackle for the Georgia Bulldogs.

During his four-year career at the University of Georgia, Miller recorded 64 tackles, four sacks and 11.5 tackles for loss before moving on to the NFL.

Now with the New Orleans Saints, Miller is making headlines off the field as well, with many social media users praising his quiet act of generosity.

While the Saints have not publicly commented on the viral post, Perigo’s story has resonated with football fans and others who applauded Miller’s willingness to help a stranger without expecting anything in return.

Vanessa Johns is the Trending Topics Reporter for the Deep South Connect Team Georgia, covering food and entertainment. Email her at Vcountryman@gannett.com.

This article originally appeared on Athens Banner-Herald: Former Georgia football player goes viral for surprise grocery gift