During halftime of the Saints-Panthers NFC Wild Card playoff game, New Orleans coach Sean Payton received some personal news about a player that sent the team into crisis mode. Payton learned during the break in play that the wife of Saints defensive tackle Tony McDaniel was headed to the hospital, presumably in labor.
Unsure of how to handle the situation in the middle of the contest, the coach quickly reached out to star sideline reporter Erin Andrews for advice on how to proceed, asking her bluntly, “What do I do?”
The question was less likely about breaking the news and more about how to frame it. Andrews stressed that sharing the information immediately was the only decent course of action, and tactics were unimportant. Payton heeded her advice, notifying McDaniel of the development and giving the player the option to leave the game to tend to the family matter. McDaniel opted to remain in the game.
Andrews reported the development during her post-halftime segment, unaware if she was making the news public before McDaniel himself had learned of his wife’s situation.
Understandably, many fans were dumbfounded as to why a person — coach or otherwise — wouldn’t reflexively simply share the issue with his player, but with so many details regarding this event still kept private, it’s unclear exactly what the nature of the consultation with Andrews covered.
Regardless, fans were quick to praise Andrews’ contribution and Payton’s decision to allow McDaniel to exit the game.
After the Saints win, an update was given indicating that McDaniel’s wife was taken to the hospital for stomach distress and was not in labor, meaning that McDaniel will still have the opportunity to attend his child’s birth. Unless of course, the mother goes into labor next weekend, when the Saints will be playing Sunday far from home in Minnesota.
The incident added drama to what was already a high-stakes matchup, leaving many with one overarching takeaway:
Oh, and naturally, the sports world was treated to more than a few jokes about the odd sequence of events as well.
It’s the playoffs. Expect the unexpected, I suppose.
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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.