Marshawn Lynch gives McDonald's employee $500

Seattle Seahawks running back Marshawn Lynch proved a small gesture can go a long way while at a McDonald's in Dallas recently.

Lynch walked into the fast-food restaurant after the Seahawks defeated the Cowboys on Nov. 1 and struck up a conversation with 17-year-old employee Terrance Downs, who was mopping at the time, according to TMZ Sports.

"I told him I liked his shoes - navy blue Buscemis - and how I wanted to buy a pair and we all started talking," Downs told TMZ.

Lynch asked Downs about his education and what he wanted to do with his life. After Downs told Lynch that he hopes to own his own fashion boutique one day, the running back handed him $500, saying, "If you're serious about getting those shoes, here's some money to help you get 'em. My job is to continue to see you grow."

A representative for the owner of the McDonald's confirmed the story to TMZ, adding that, "Marshawn left a huge positive impact on Terrance."

Downs said he went out and bought the shoes and is now even more motivated to become successful so he "can do the same thing for someone else one day."