Baltimore Ravens player's heartfelt mission to rescue dogs in need is winning over the internet

The NFL has been in the middle of a lot of negative news of late, but one Baltimore Ravens player is bringing around some positivity through a deed of remarkable goodness.

Baltimore Ravens offensive tackle Ronnie Stanley has sent a heartfelt message about saving rescue dogs in need. In an article written for ESPN, Ravens reporter Jamison Hensley has told the story of when the Ravens star was 14 and his parents brought him two cocker spaniels for Christmas.

Unfortunately, a babysitter's forgetfulness in shutting the gate to a pool led to the accidental death of one of the puppies, who drowned in the pool.

The then-young Baltimore Ravens player was devastated and has been affected ever since.

"I definitely took it hard, feeling helpless,” Stanley said, as per Hensley. "I couldn’t do anything. It was tough.”

Years later, Stanley started the Ronnie Stanley Foundation, which rescues dogs and helps them find good homes.

Stanley talked about how adopting three dogs changed his life forever.

"My life was forever changed for the better when I adopted Lola, Rico and Kaia. A lot of individuals can benefit from the companionship an animal can bring into their lives," said Stanley.

Stanley also spoke about how adopting dogs can benefit different people from different walks of life.

“It brings tremendous joy,” Stanley said. "I just think it was great to show that this idea can work, and it works for different types of people, different walks of life, different problems, so I think there’s a lot of opportunity.”

Baltimore Ravens star receives praise for his foundation from fans

N Ronnie Stanley at the NFL Draft

When people found out late last year about Ronnie Stanley's foundation, he received praise from supporters from all across the country.

Shelly thought it's awesome what Stanley was doing.

Lynn, whose life was "enriched" after adopting seven "re-homed/rescued dogs", had high praise for the football star.

Amotion, another dog lover, praised Stanley and thanked him for taking on what some considered an "unadoptable" dog.

Richard said that Stanley's story has encouraged him to adopt a dog, too.

Alexis was also encouraged to adopt a rescue dog and even posted a video of her pet.

One Twitter user, however, did not seem too thrilled with the foundation's mission of matching rescue dogs "with people who have experienced trauma or illness."

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Yet, there was another user who felt that having a sense of purpose is something dogs seem to love.

Stanley continues to receive praise from groups like the Softer Side, who tweeted out positive information about the work people do to help animals in need.

The Baltimore Ravens also sang praises of their star offensive tackle and his organization.

Ronnie Stanley, with his compassion for dogs and those who need them, has garnered much deserved praise for a player who once suffered a heartache that he turned into a purpose.