With a deep, refined voice, homeless Ohio man Ted Williams simply asked for help to get off the streets. He's been heard.
Left homeless after his life and career were ruined by drugs and alcohol, Mr Williams has been offered a job by the NBA's Cleveland Cavaliers and is being pursued by NFL Films for possible work.
He and his compelling tale became an online sensation after the Columbus Dispatch posted a clip of him demonstrating his smooth voiceover skills by the side of the road.
"This has been totally, totally amazing," Mr Williams said last night. "I'm just so thankful. God has blessed me so deeply. I'm getting a second chance. Amazing."
Mr Williams was contacted yesterday by the Cavaliers, who have offered him a position that could include announcing work at Quicken Loans Arena, the basketball team's home stadium. Mr Williams said the team has offered him a two-year contract and said they would pay his living expenses.
"I can't believe what's going on," said Mr Williams (53), adding he feels like Susan Boyle, the Scottish singing sensation who became an overnight star. "God gave me a million-dollar voice, and I just hope I can do right by him."
It's been a whirlwind for the father of nine, who was recently living in a tent and whose past includes a lengthy list of arrests. He has served time in prison for theft and forgery.
He was most recently arrested on May 14th. He pleaded guilty to a first-degree misdemeanour theft charge. In court records, his address is listed as "Streets of Columbus".
Mr Williams said his life began spiraling downward in 1996 when he began drinking alcohol "pretty bad". He used cannabis and cocaine and lost interest in his radio career. He eventually wound up on the streets, despite the best efforts of his children, seven daughters and two sons who all live in the Columbus area.
"They have mixed emotions about what is going on," Mr Williams said. "During my detox stages, I had a tendency to eat up everybody's food. I'm a grandfather, too, and I was eating what should have gone to their kids."
Mr Williams said he celebrated two years of sobriety "around Thanksgiving. I just hope everyone will pray for me".
Mr Williams initially was spotted by the Columbus newspaper standing near an exit ramp off Interstate 71. In a video interview that quickly became wildly popular, Mr Williams - holding a cardboard sign that asked motorists for help and says: "I'm an ex-radio announcer who has fallen on hard times".
Upon learning of Mr Williams' criminal history, the Cavaliers said their offer still stands.
"We believe in second chances and second opportunities," said Tracy Marek, the team's senior vice president of marketing. "The gentleman deserves an opportunity to explain certain situations. We're not jumping to conclusions. It's not fair."
Cavaliers spokesman Tad Carper said exact details of the team's offer and their plans to help Mr Williams with housing were still being worked out.
During a timeout in the first quarter of last night's game against Toronto, the Cavaliers put a picture of Mr Williams on their giant scoreboard and urged fans to send him messages at wewanttedwilliams.com.
"We hope Ted accepts our offer," said Cavaliers announcer Olivia Sedra.
AP