Jack Patterson was finishing up his work following the LSU-Alabama game on Saturday by recording a taped standup segment for WRBL Sports in Columbus, Georgia. Like many broadcasters, Patterson tripped up while recording his segment and became frustrated with himself.

That’s when ESPN’s Marty Smith walked up and offered some advice.

“The hardest part of our job is what you’re doing right now,” Smith said with the camera still rolling. “The taped standup, hate it. I hate them, man. It ain’t like when you’re live, you kind of mess up, whatever, you just keep on digging. This thing you want to be just perfect. I can’t stand them.”

Patterson was obviously taken aback by Smith, and added this in a tweet: “I’m a big fan of his dating back to his NASCAR days, but this was next level. To quote him, “Be kind. Work hard. The rest takes care of itself.” Words to live by. Thank you man.”

The tweet went viral and had more than 1.2 million views in about 12 hours. Patterson was still blown away. Several regional and national broadcasters weighed in with their own words of encouragement and support for Patterson and his career path.

“The only thing I can say is wow,” he wrote. “The last 12 hours have been mindblowing. My sentiment is the same as everyone else: Marty Smith is freaking awesome, and it’s a moment I’ll never forget. I’m glad it’s brought so much love and kindness to others. And by popular demand, the pic.”