“If someone had to die, I thought it should be me”. These are the words that a 6-year-old boy named Bridger Walker said after receiving nearly a hundred stitches on his face. Why? Because he courageously and selflessly jumped in front of a ranging dog that was about to attack his 4-year-old sister. That is a real hero right there, both in actions and in mindset. On top of it all, Bridger is also a BJJ practitioner and competitor, one I have a feeling we will be talking about for years to come.
Examples of bravery and real heroism are luckily still around these days. People still opt to do the right, or better said, the brave thing to do from time to time. However, when it is a kid being braver than most adults I know, he deserves more praise than we could give. Young Bridger Walker is just this type of kid. He is not just captivated by superheroes, he is one, as proven in real life. Not everyone is brave enough to step on the mats and compete as a BJJ practitioner, so we knew he was brave. However, even fewer people, including most adults would so courageously stand in front of a ragging dog and take it head-on in order to protect someone else. Hats off to Bridger!
Heroes Do Exist – Meet Bridger Walker
Bridger Walker is a 6-year-old BJJ practitioner that lives in Cheyenne, Wyoming. On July 9, while out with his sister, Bridger ran into a 1-year old German Shepard mix dog. The dog charged the kids, and the valiant Bridger stood between the animal and his sister, taking the attack himself. The dog bit his cheek and held on to it, causing visible and serious injuries. The little hero, in the meantime, took his sister’s hand and steered her away, eventually getting them both to safety. His sister was unharmed in the incident. The dog’s owners actually knew the Bridger and his family, and have been nothing supportive after the fact, according to the boy’s aunt.
After the fact, Bridger underwent a two-hour-long surgery and ended up with more than 90 stitches on his cheek. When his father later asked why he acted the way he did, Bridger said “If someone had to die, I thought it should be me”. Revealing that the brave boy is also a BJJ practitioner and competitor, the proud dad also added “And my son is not a guard puller. ? I promise we’re working on not giving up the back.”
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Currently, Bridger Walker is recovering at home and is already making great progress. He is expected to make a full recovery, and his otherwise cheerful spirit is intact. As well as recovering, he is expected to come back to training once his doctors clear him. The entire incident got the exposure it deserves via the boy’s aunt, who took to Instagram to share the incredible story of her hero nephew.
Praise And Support Heaping In For the Brave BJJ Practitioner
Speaking of heroes, Bridger Walker is a fan of the Avengers, as you’d expect from a boy his age. Knowing this fact, his aunt tagged as many of the actors playing superheroes as she could, hoping they’d help spread the word and reach out to Bridger to make his recovery easier. It turned out that her post got millions of likes and shares, and it definitely got the attention Bridger deserves.
“I’m not an Avenger, but I know a superhero when I see one,” wrote Ann Hathaway on her Instagram, sharing the story about Bridger.
Mark Ruffalo, AKA “The Hulk” responded to being tagged in the post by writing “People who put well beings of others in front of themselves are the most heroic and thoughtful people I know. I truly respect and admire your courage and your heart.”
Chris Evans, who plays Captain America sent a video to Bridger Walker, saying: “I’m sure you’ve heard a lot of this over the last couple of days, but let me be the next one to tell you, pal, you’re a hero,” Evans said. “What you did was so brave, so selfless. Your sister is so lucky to have you as a big brother. Your parents must be so proud of you.”
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Jeremy Renner, Octavia Spencer, Gordon Ramsey, Kevin Jonas, Robbie Amell, Brie Larson, and other celebrities also poured in on the praise and support for the valiant BJJ practitioner.
Concluding that Bridger is making a complete recovery, his family is making constant updates on social media. In their last statement, they said “May we follow Bridger’s example, approach the world as a child, and bring greater peace to our own homes, communities, states, and countries.”
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In Summary
BJJ practitioner or not, Bridger Walker is one brave boy. Such heart is going to make him one of the best grapplers in the world without a doubt when he manages to get back to the mats after his ordeal. In the meantime, feel free to reach out to the boy to extend your support, and do try and share his incredible story of bravery and selflessness as much as you can. What a kid!
