NFL players have many athletes looking up to them, watching the choices they make on and off the field.

Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Mohamed Sanu unknowingly served as an example to a 10-year-old boy on a recent flight.

The boy saw Sanu studying his plays, eating healthy snacks and being polite to others. Without even realizing it, Sanu’s positive behavior made a big impact on the boy.

This caught the attention of the child’s parents, who wrote Sanu a note thanking him for being a positive role model:

This definitely put a smile on my face. ☺️ the little things. pic.twitter.com/OFKpwcho5H

— Mohamed Sanu Sr. (@Mo_12_Sanu) April 22, 2017

Sanu shows us the importance of instilling values into young athletes because you never know the impact they could have later on in their career.

RELATED: USA Football’s Values Captains program recognizes players who exhibit positive attributes that football teaches