Dejounte Murray may be known for his on-court toughness, but a recent viral story shows a softer, generous side of the New Orleans Pelicans guard. A young man took a shot in the dark by sending Murray a direct message on Instagram, asking if he needed his lawn cut. Instead of brushing it off or ignoring it, Murray responded in a way that has inspired fans far beyond basketball.
“The guy on the left is NBA player DeJounte Murray, and one day he receives a random Instagram message from the young man on the right. The young man asks him, do you need your grass cut?”
“DeJounte says no, but I’ll send you 500 bucks if you send me proof that you’re really out here cutting grass. So the young man starts sending him pictures and videos of him cutting grass and out here doing his thing.”
“He said, I’m trying to start my lawn cutting business and I’m just trying to get as much work as possible. They keep going back and forth, and DeJounte says, all right, what’s your Zelle? And the young man says, I don’t have one, but I’m about to create it.”
“He goes through the creation process and says, all right, this is the number that you can send the money to. And DeJounte sent him 600 bucks to start his lawn care business. I think this is incredible. This is a dope story to me.”
“Shout out to DeJounte for the selflessness, for the kindness. Shout out to the young man for being entrepreneurial and shooting his shot. No pun intended. This is dope to me.”
https://www.instagram.com/p/reel:DOrp1Qukv89
The gesture has been celebrated online as an example of genuine kindness and the importance of giving back. Murray’s decision to support the young man’s dream wasn’t flashy or accompanied by a PR announcement, it was a private moment of generosity that only came to light because the fan decided to share the story. It highlights the value of persistence on one end and selflessness on the other.
The fan didn’t just ask for money; he showed proof of his grind, and Murray rewarded that effort.
Currently, Murray is a member of the New Orleans Pelicans after being traded from the Atlanta Hawks. His first year in New Orleans was cut short by an Achilles injury, limiting him to just 31 games.
It was a frustrating season not only for Murray but for the Pelicans as a whole, who dealt with a barrage of injuries across their roster. Still, the team remains optimistic that Murray will return stronger next season, bringing his two-way guard skills and leadership to a lineup that, when healthy, can compete with anyone in the Western Conference.
Stories like this lawn mowing exchange remind fans that professional athletes are more than just what they do on the court. Murray didn’t just change the young man’s day; he potentially changed the trajectory of his life by giving him the resources to start a small business.
For the fan, it’s the beginning of a journey. For Murray, it’s a reminder of the power of giving back. And for everyone watching, it’s proof that a small act of generosity can ripple far beyond what anyone expects.
