Oregon Ducks Football: Mark Asper Is Heroic in Saving Choking Victim

Oregon Ducks linemen Mark Asper is a hero, and he very well may have saved a life with his knowledge of the Heimlich maneuver.

The Associated Press via Foxsports.com reports that Asper preformed the Heimlich on a fellow patron at a diner in California.

Asper came to the rescue for Paul Diamond, who was apparently choking on a piece of meat.

The lineman credited his status as an Eagles Scout for his knowledge of the potentially life-saving maneuver, according to the report:

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Diamond was with his son Tom Diamond, a UO student, when he got into trouble and gestured for help.

With the senior's efforts failing, Asper said he quickly offered his services, while explaining his credentials.

"I patted [Tom Diamond] on the back and said, 'If you don't know what you're doing, I do, because I'm an Eagle Scout,'" he recounted.

Asper, 26, said he initially held back for fear of hurting his fellow guest.

"The first heave was a test heave, because the guy seemed a little old, and I didn't want to break his ribs or anything," Asper said. "So, test heave, then it seemed like he could handle the full force, so I popped it out."

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Keep in mind that Asper is listed 6'7", 325 pounds, and while I don't know for sure, I can only imagine that the man he was trying to save is a far cry from his size.

The fact that he was able to save this man's life without hurting him is almost a miracle, as the report states the only thing that was damaged was a pair of sunglasses.

There is no doubt in my mind that Asper should be rewarded for his services, if only through our praise.

It would have been easy for him to look on as a spectator, especially given the fact that he's a high-profile athlete.

Instead, he rose to the occasion and may have saved a life.

Every now and then we remember that there are things in life that are more important than football.

Why they may be few and far between, Asper stepping up for a stranger is a great reminder.