Melvin Bullitt’s Texas homecoming during the bye weekend included a visit to Garland High School, where the Indianapolis Colts safety gave a teacher battling breast cancer a pair of pink gloves worn in the 31-9 victory at Tennessee on Oct. 11.

Melanie Parsons, 46, was stunned to receive the gloves, which were part of an NFL dress-code emphasis in October to heighten awareness of the disease.

“It was a total surprise,” she said. “I was just so touched. To be so thoughtful to come back here on his bye weekend, that meant the world to me.”

Parsons has been friends with Bullitt’s father, Jerry, for more than a decade. She was diagnosed last spring, had surgery and is undergoing chemotherapy.

“I’m happy I was able to help someone,” Bullitt said. “It definitely brought a great smile to her face. She put them on immediately and wore them.”

The teacher likes how they feel. “I just love ’em,” she said, “grass stains and everything.”

— Phillip B. Wilson