Saving a man’s life may be good for Tony Gonzalez’s reputation, but not for his rhetoric.

The Kansas City Chiefs Pro Bowl tight end performed the Heimlich maneuver on a choking man, prompting an outpouring of praise.

“I never anticipated what an impact this would have,” Gonzalez told the Associated Press.

To expect means to consider something likely to happen. To anticipate means to expect something to happen and to prepare for it. Anticipating a grueling Pro Bowl, Gonzalez added an hour to his daily workout.

Anytime an unexpected event happens or an unexpected reaction surfaces, the proper statement is, “I never expected this.”

If you’re trying to sound like a laudable hero, it’s advisable to not imply any sort of advance preparation.