Colts’ Donte Moncrief helping to support Zurlon Tipton’s daughter

We hear a lot about all of the bad things that happen in sports or the stupid things that athletes do, but we don’t often hear enough about the good things that athletes do as well.

ESPN’s Mike Wells wrote a terrific piece on one of those good things recently, as he wrote about Colts wide receiver Donte Moncrief helping to support a deceased former teammate’s daughter.

Earlier this summer, former Colts running back Zurlon Tipton accidentally shot and killed himself, leaving behind his daughter Zoe. Moncrief, who has a daughter of his own, is committed to coming alongside Zoe and helping support her however possible. Wells wrote that Moncrief will “love her as if she were his own daughter,” adding that the receiver will help with money, clothes, and anything else needed. Furthermore, Zoe will be in attendance at the Colts’ week one home game against the Detroit Lions as Moncrief’s guest.

"That comes from being from the South," Moncrief told Wells. "Wanting to help people and always give back. Like my dad always says, it's better to give than receive. I look at it as if she's my daughter and I want to make sure she's well taken care of. I know that's something he would do for me."

Moncrief and Tipton played together for two seasons with the Colts (2014-2015), as the running back appeared in 16 games over that span with Indianapolis. During that time Moncrief and Tipton grew close, so when Moncrief heard the news about Tipton’s death it was obviously shocking and heart-wrenching. While that was certainly an unimaginable tragedy, it’s awesome to see Donte Moncrief stepping up and helping to support Zoe. Remember, Moncrief is only 22 years old and has a daughter of his own, but he’s committed to doing whatever necessary to help Zoe and considers her as if she were his own daughter.

With so much bad going on with athletes, it’s encouraging to see someone like Donte Moncrief doing something good with his influence. This is the kind of thing you don’t always hear about, so credit to Mike Wells for digging up the story and reporting on it. I think a number of people will definitely be rooting a little harder for the Colts to Feed Moncrief after reading about what he’s doing for Zoe.