Ricky Jean Francois seemed to recognize another LSU Tiger in pain on Sunday night after the AFC championship game. The New England Patriots defensive tackle went up to a crying Leonard Fournette and gave him a hug.

They didn’t know each other. Jean Francois attended LSU from 2005 to 2009; Fournette was there from 2014 to 2016. In fact, they’d been exchanging verbal barbs during the game. But Jean Francois hugged Fournette as the confetti rained down at Gillette Stadium.

“I didn’t do anything to make him cry or anything like that,” Jean Francois told Patriots Wire on Wednesday. “I knew bothered him. At one point, I remember losing a Super Bowl when I was in San Francisco, and I knew how that felt, so I just said a few words to him.

“Being honest, no words in the world can tell you anything. But I just told him a few healing words that should’ve kept him uplifted. At the end of the day, that dude may be the face of the league when it comes to running back as years come along. That’s a power back — a real good back, at that.”

Fournette finished the Patriots’ 24-20 win over the Jaguars with 24 carries for 76 yards and a rushing touchdown. Jean Francois, who had five tackles, was one of the big reasons why Fournette averaged only 3.2 yards per carry.

After one of Jean Francois’ tackles of Fournette, the running back popped up and helped up the opposing defensive tackle up to his feet. Jean Francois appreciated the gesture and slapped Fournette on the helmet.

“I’m a fan of a lot of LSU guys,” Jean Francois said. “LSU guys don’t know who I am, because I’m way before their time. At one point in the game, Leonard and I were going back and forth, just chomping at each other. Then one play he helped me up, he was like, ‘You went to LSU?” I was like, ‘I went ’05 to ’09. I’m way before your time.'”

In one of the most competitive games of the year, a little sportsmanship goes a long way.