Hayden Hurst is a member of the Atlanta Falcons, but he continues to be connected to South Carolina — where he attended college. Ahead of his Week 2 bout with the Dallas Cowboys, it was discovered that Hurst helped save a broadcaster in South Carolina's puppy.

Mike Gillespie of WOLO-TV in Columbia, South Carolina rescued an Irish Settler and Golden Retriever mix four years ago. Sadly, Wilbur — the dog that Gillespie adopted — would require surgery to remove a life-threatening intestinal issue.

After being convinced by his girlfriend, Gillespie posted a GoFundMe page in hopes to receive the funds to pay for the surgery. Despite posting it on Monday, the page reached $2,000 in donations by Tuesday morning. Then, Hurst came across the GoFundMe page and donated the remaining $3,000 himself.

As a result, Wilbur underwent successful surgery on Wednesday and is doing well. Seeing that Hurst spent his own money to save Wilbur's life, Gillespie hopes the pass-catching tight end can meet Wilbur someday.

Article Continues Below
More Atlanta Falcons News
Atlanta Falcons tight end Kyle Pitts (8) prepares for a game against the New York Giants at Mercedes-Benz Stadium.
NFL rumors: Falcons’ Kyle Pitts drawing legitimate trade interestBen Strauss ·
Sep 24, 2017; Detroit, MI, USA; Atlanta Falcons owner Arthur Blank before the game against the Detroit Lions at Ford Field. Mandatory Credit: Tim Fuller-Imagn Images
Falcons send fans into frenzy after immediately deleting ’28-3′ postMike Gianakos ·
Atlanta Falcons running back Bijan Robinson (7) runs against the Carolina Panthers during the second half at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-Imagn Images
Falcons, fourth-year lineman agree to $9.5 million dealLorenzo J Reyna ·
Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Julio Jones (11) makes a first quarter catch with New England Patriots cornerback Eric Rowe (25) defending during Super Bowl LI at NRG Stadium.
Julio Jones makes stunning admission about Falcons’ Super Bowl 51 lossMatty Breisch ·
Kansas defensive back Cobee Bryant (DB05) participates in drills during the 2025 NFL Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium.
1 Atlanta Falcons rookie who stood out most in 2025 minicampJaren Kawada ·
Atlanta Falcons quarterback Kirk Cousins (18) prepares for a game against the New York Giants at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Brett Davis-Imagn Images
Kirk Cousins’ voluntary OTAs status will catch Falcons fans’ attentionJake Faigus ·

“Hopefully Wilbur and Hayden can meet someday, because honestly, he saved his life,” Gillespie, who adopted the abandoned dog four years ago, told The Post and Courier.

During the past offseason, Hurst was traded to the Falcons after being drafted by the Baltimore Ravens in 2018. Before joining the Ravens, Hurst played his college football at South Carolina, which is where Gillespie is a TV sports director.

Given his success in the NFL thus far, Hurst has made those in South Carolina proud. However, his decision to help save a rescue dog's life will undoubtedly increase his popularity in South Carolina.