New England Patriots Receiver K.J. Osborn Recalls Life-Saving Rescue

New England Patriots K.J. Osborn showed cursory courage in helping to save the life of reality TV star Nelson Thomas just over one year ago in Austin, Texas.

FOXBORO — While New England Patriots receiver K.J. Osborn is best-known for his pass-catching abilities on the gridiron, his courage and quick-thinking played a vital role in the life of former reality TV star Nelson Thomas.

In fact, Osborn helped save Thomas’ life in the aftermath of what might have been a fatal car crash.

Just over one year ago, Osborn — then a member of the Minnesota Vikings — was visiting friends in Austin, TX during his offseason break. While traveling via Uber, both he and his driver noticed a car, which had been badly damaged after an apparent crash into an embankment along the freeway. As the pair approached the vehicle, the engine caught fire.

“Myself, and 3 or 4 others, we ended up going down, we pulled this man out of the car,” Osborn recalled to reporters earlier this week. “God had me there, myself and others. I picked him up, I walked him maybe 20 yards away from the car because the car was on fire by the time that all happened, which maybe it was two or three minutes, but it felt like 15 minutes.”

Oct 23, 2023; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Minnesota Vikings wide receiver K.J. Osborn (17)

Brad Rempel-USA TODAY Sports

Despite their difficulty in seeing the driver, Osborn, his driver and two bystanders rapidly reached the car. Upon their arrival, they convinced the occupant [Thomas] to slide over to the slightly less-dangerous passenger's side; thus making it easier to pull him from the car. Osborn then carried the injured man "10 or 15 feet" away from the car to safety.

By his own admission, Osborn acknowledged that he and the other three men were in the “right place at the right time” to bring Thomas from near-certain peril to sanctuary.

“It wasn’t just me. It was multiple people. It was a group effort,” Osborn said. “I’ve kept in contact with all of those people. It was really special.”

Thomas, known for his role on MTV’s “The Challenge,” remains perpetually grateful to his rescuers. Despite lingering health problems stemming from the accident, the former TV personality is cognizant of the selfless bravery shown by Osborn and others on that fateful Monday morning in March 2023.

"I was involved in a car accident,” Thomas shared on social media, via People Magazine. “I want to thank kJ: @kj_osborn_ @nfl @vikings for being on the scene and filming my rescue," he said in the tweet. "I am forever grateful to Abdulmejied Hairedin, Rita, and Arthur for pulling me out of a burning vehicle, risking their own lives to save mine."

Accordingly, Osborn continues to keep Thomas’ health and recovery at the top of his mind. Though his football journey has taken him from Minnesota to New England, he speaks regularly with Thomas, who recently was forced to endure amputation as a result of his injuries.

“Nelson actually just got his foot amputated maybe a week or two ago,” Osborn shared. “That’s the decision he made … So I’ve been following his journey. I’m obviously happy he still has life. He’s still recovering from that. He’s definitely in my prayers, I’m sure that was a tough decision, so he’s still battling with that.”

Shortly after the start of free agency, Osborn signed a $4 million contract with the Patriots, with a chance to be worth up to $6 million. After being selected in the fifth round (No. 176 overall) by the Vikings in the 2020 NFL Draft, he compiled 1,845 receiving yards on 158 catches and 15 touchdowns during his 58 games with Minnesota. As he enters a new era in New England, the University of Miami product is willing to do whatever he can to help the team win — once again, lending his support where it is most needed.

“At the end of the day it’s wherever the team best needs me to win. And like I said, I’m excited about the opportunity. We’ll see what happens as far as all the details of it,” Osborn said. “I’m a team guy so whatever the team needs me to do to win, whether it be as a number one, play inside, play outside — that’s what I’m here to do.”