It’s not surprising that LSU OL Josh Boutte reached out to Wisconsin DB D’Cota Dixon after delivering the widely criticized late hit on Dixon.

The result of their conversation, however, is surprising – a friendship.

“D’Cota Dixon, he’s a really good guy, really nice guy,” Boutte told reporters Monday. “I got to talk to him and we exchanged numbers. We became friends over something that probably shouldn’t have happened. But in a way, I’m glad that we got to meet. … I just wish him the best.”

The two bonded over their faith.

“I texted him asking if there was anything that I could possibly pray for him about,” Dixon told ESPN. “He ended up texting me back and saying, ‘Yeah, just pray that we have a good season and that God’s hand is on both of us moving forward throughout the season.’ So I ended up praying for him and it was OK.”

Dixon’s text followed Boutte’s initial apology phone call. It has led to a friendship between the two.

“I would have to say [what helped us become friends was] just our relationship with God,” Boutte said. “He was a big God guy and after I found out that, it kind of like just meshed. It’s almost like he’s been in my life. It was really good. He’s a really good guy.”

More on how Boutte has handled the late hit and his one-game suspension can be found at ESPN.