Rams Coordinator John Fassel Helped Save Man from Drowning in Ocean

St. Louis Rams special teams coordinator John Fassel was on vacation in California last week, but he ended up playing a significant role in saving a man's life.

ESPN's Adam Schefter reported Fassel was boogie-boarding near Manhattan Beach in the Pacific Ocean this past Wednesday and joined forces with another surfer, Jim Burton, to rescue an unidentified man from drowning in a riptide. It was Fassel's last day of vacation.

Manhattan Beach lifeguards eventually came to help, but Fassel and Burton were there first to attempt to hoist the non-English-speaking man onto a surfboard amid pressure from the tide.

In discussing the matter afterward, Fassel expressed gratitude to the professionals who reported to the scene:

"

Me and Jim said he was less than 30 seconds away from not being able to hang in there. But it all happened so fast. Major kudos to Burton, the Manhattan Beach lifeguards and fire department paramedics. It was seriously amazing how fast they got on the scene. When we got him in, and he had the help he needed, we were high-fiving and celebrating.

"

Manhattan Beach acting battalion chief Derek Edmonds told Schefter that paramedics transported the rescued man to a local hospital for further evaluation. The man also received IV fluids, medication and electrocardiogram exams when he was pulled ashore following Fassel and Burton's courageous act of altruism.

Fassel, 41, has held his position in St. Louis since 2012. The Rams will welcome veterans to their training camp Wednesday.