The unlikely friendship between Lavel Dumont and then-15-year-old Wyntr Kinsley began with apprehension.
Jennifer Lowe, Kinsley’s mother, was unsure about Dumont after Wyntr explained that the Toledo offensive lineman stopped his car to chat with the teenager about football in his front yard before the two exchanged phone numbers.
A Google search quickly put her at ease.
“I’m so glad you aren't a weirdo,” Lowe told Dumont.
On Saturday, the rest of the world will learn about Dumont’s kind spirit, as he will be honored in St. Louis as one of nine honorees for the 2021 Stan Musical Award for Extraordinary Character.