It’s a terrible thing to rear-end another motorist. It’s even worse if they’re driving a very expensive car. But there are few things worse than rear-ending someone in an expensive car who’s the starting running back for your local NFL team — and they’re facing the New England Patriots in the AFC Championship game in five short days.
If you’re the unidentified woman in Jacksonville, Florida, who drove her SUV into Leonard Fournette’s 2017 Mercedes-Benz Maybach on Jan. 16, you know how this feels.
The good news is that Fournette was able to walk away from the incident on Interstate 295 near the Dames Point Bridge. He was also in good spirits after the wreck and took photos with those who were on the scene to help.
#Jaguars RB Leonard Fournette, involved in a car accident this morning, gave the bumper from wrecked car to a Dept. of Sanitation worker doing cleanup on the scene. Fournette autographed the bumper, obviously. He took pics, too (: @FhpJacksonville) pic.twitter.com/4mnTgRHRHE
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) January 16, 2018
Yes, I asked. @FhpJacksonville supervisor says no Patriots or Steelers were involved in today’s 3-car crash, where Leonard Fournette was rear-ended. pic.twitter.com/WylmMQB3kQ
— Vic Micolucci WJXT (@WJXTvic) January 16, 2018
Fournette also took the time to sign the shattered bumper from his $200,000 Mercedes-Benz Maybach and give it to a first-responder as a gift.
#Jaguars RB Leonard Fournette signed the bumper of his 2017 Maybach and gave it to a first responder after someone rear-ended him on I-295. He also posed for pics. Everyone ok. Woman in an SUV cited for careless driving, causing crash. pic.twitter.com/hxwJznCQm1
— Vic Micolucci WJXT (@WJXTvic) January 16, 2018
According to WXJT 4 News, the woman who rear-ended Fournette has been cited with reckless driving. But there are some on Twitter who believe the accident was a fiendish plot launched by the diabolical Bill Belichick, head coach of the Patriots.
Leaked footage of Leonard Fournette getting rear ended in car accident earlier today pic.twitter.com/eep9UJPaRr
— NFL Retweet (@NFLRT) January 16, 2018
Wow, Belichick has no boundaries, just tried to pull a Tonya Harding on Leonard Fournette。 pic.twitter.com/RFuc74quE4
— Heatspeare (@Heatspeare) January 16, 2018
Hmm, Leonard Fournette in car crash right before they play patriots. I still see you Belichick. #BelichickinjuredWentz #BelichickinjuredBrown #BelichicktriedtoinjureFournette
— Zumi Zumi (@Krisshoup2) January 16, 2018
RB Leonard Fournette, was involved in a car accident this morning,...Witnesses have reported that both Robert Kraft and Bill Belichick were seen fleeing the scene in a 2010 Ford pickup, blue and silver, with a ballsack hanging from the tailgate.
— Thomas J. Bush II (@tbush51goblue) January 16, 2018
Patriots hired the driver to crash into him RT @MySportsUpdate: #Jaguars RB Leonard Fournette was involved in a minor accident today when his car was rear-ended.
— Mark (Eagles 14-3)(@MrFerrell732) January 16, 2018
Fournette is doing well and was able to drive back home.
Leonard Fournette in a car accident? He’s ok. Wtf tho are the football gods trying to take this kid out the game? Belichick sitting in his office with a voodoo doll or something?
— Eddie Law (@ELaw31) January 16, 2018
Grieving couple comforting each other
This response to someone grieving a friend might be the best internet comment ever
When someone is hit with the sudden loss of a friend or loved one, words rarely feel like enough. Yet, more than a decade ago, a wise Redditor named GSnow shared thoughts so profound they still bring comfort to grieving hearts today.
Originally posted around 2011, the now-famous reply was rediscovered when Upvoted, an official Reddit publication, featured it again to remind everyone of its enduring truth. It began as a simple plea for help: “My friend just died. I don't know what to do.”
What followed was a piece of writing that many consider one of the internet’s best comments of all time. It remains shared across social media, grief forums, and personal messages to this day because its honesty and metaphor speak to the raw reality of loss and the slow, irregular path toward healing.
Below is GSnow’s full reply, unchanged, in all its gentle, wave-crashing beauty:
Why this advice still matters
Mental health professionals and grief counselors often describe bereavement in stages or phases, but GSnow’s “wave theory” gives an image more relatable for many. Rather than a linear process, grief surges and retreats—sometimes triggered by a song, a place, or a simple morning cup of coffee.
In recent years, this metaphor has found renewed relevance. Communities on Reddit, TikTok, and grief support groups frequently reshare it to help explain the unpredictable nature of mourning.
Many readers say this analogy helps them feel less alone, giving them permission to ride each wave of grief rather than fight it.
Finding comfort in shared wisdom
Since this comment first surfaced, countless people have posted their own stories underneath it, thanking GSnow and passing the words to others facing fresh heartbreak. It’s proof that sometimes, the internet can feel like a global support group—strangers linked by shared loss and hope.
For those searching for more support today, organizations like The Dougy Center, GriefShare, and local bereavement groups offer compassionate resources. If you or someone you know is struggling with intense grief, please reach out to mental health professionals who can help navigate these deep waters.
When grief comes crashing like the ocean, remember these words—and hang on. There is life between the waves.
This article originally appeared four years ago.