Credit: Wisconsin Lottery

Now that’s what I call integrity.

Here’s a question: do you remember every single promise you’ve made over the last twenty years or so? I sure don’t. I can remember a board game jingle from when I was 10, but as far as promises and handshakes go? Complete wasteland up there. This is why it’s so impressive to see someone not only remember a multi-decade old promise, but keep their word on it.

Back in 1992, Wisconsin native Thomas Cook was discussing the future with his good friend, Joseph Feeney. The two came to an agreement that if either of them ever won a Powerball jackpot, they would split the winnings 50/50, and shook hands on it. 28 years later, Cook stopped into the local Synergy Coop to purchase a Powerball ticket, and wouldn’t you know it, it was a $22 million jackpot winner.

Cook immediately recalled his handshake and promise to Feeney, and called him up to tell him the good news. According to Cook, when he told Feeney about the prize and their deal, the first words out of Feeney’s mouth were “are you jerking my bobber?” That’ll make an interesting story for the family.

Credit: Wisconsin Lottery

The two men agreed to take the lump sum payout from Powerball, each receiving approximately $5.7 million after federal and state taxes. Both Cook and Feeney have put in their two weeks’ notice with their jobs, and plan to retire and use the money to spend more time with their families.

“We can pursue what we feel comfortable with,” Cook told local reporters. “I can’t think of a better way to retire.”