One only gets so many shots at the golden ring in life, and a former Marine gave up one of his when he said “thanks, but no thanks” to a possible career as an NFL wide receiver after the Boston bombing.

Brandon O’Brien proved the old adage, “once a Marine, always a Marine” when he re-enlisted in the Marine Corps.

Most would consider O’Brien a huge long-shot for the pros. He’s 30-years-old and graduated from a little-known college — Montana State Northern University — after having first served in the military.

But he has the heart of a Marine and a lot of natural talent to go along with it.

“The 6-foot-1-inch, 220-pound Mr. O’Brien ran a 4.56-second 40-yard dash and 4.08 in the short shuttle during recent workouts — times that might convince a team to give him a chance,” according to The Washington Times.

“He said watching what happened yesterday left him with a big hole in his heart and told me he wants to ensure that this never happens again to anybody, anywhere,” Brad Berkowitz, Mr. O’Brien’s agent, told NFL.com. “The kid is a real hero.”

God bless the Marines. And God bless Mr. O’Brien.

Read more at The Washington Times.

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