For Immediate Release
November 27, 2014
NFL PLAYERS GIVE BACK FOR THANKSGIVING
WASHINGTON – Leading into the holiday season, players from across the league have been making a positive impact on their hometowns and team cities. The below media clips are only a sampling of the unique and important ways NFL players give back to their communities every day around. Please click on the links provided for full articles.
How Detroit Lion Stephen Tulloch is giving back
Click on Detroit
His injury may have been keeping him off the field but it hasn’t stopped him from his other passion: charity work.
“I’m not just a football player. I love giving back to people, those who are less fortunate,” Tulloch said.
He launched the Stephen Tulloch Foundation in 2009 as a way to help underprivileged youth.
Local 4 was there as Tulloch stopped by Detroit’s Davison Elementary School to share an encouraging message with the students and also give them tools to improve their lives -- tablets, calculators and other classroom supplies.
Vince Wilfork, Dominique Easley to provide turkeys for less fortunate
Aida Mallard, The Gainesville Sun
Vouchers for a free turkey will be provided again this year during the annual Thanksgiving Turkey Blessing Giveaway — which will observe its fifth year — thanks to the Wilfork Foundation and former Gator football player Dominique Easley.
This year, 800 turkeys will be provided by The Wilfork Foundation, founded by Gainesville native Bianca Wilfork and her husband, Vincent, a nose tackle with the New England Patriots, with the support of Dominique Easley, a defensive tackle for the Patriots and a former University of Florida football player.
Over the past four years, the Wilfork Foundation has provided more than 2,500 turkeys, and Bianca Wilfork has been on hand to help distribute them.
Osweiler named NFLPA Community MVP
Denver Broncos
Denver Broncos quarterback Brock Osweiler has made visits this season to the pediatric cancer ward at Rocky Mountain Hospital for Children, where he has surprised children with goody bags filled with Denver Broncos stuffed animals, footballs, stickers and a personalized photo card. He also spends time meeting with hospital staff.
The Arizona State graduate recently reached out to an Arizona family in need after reading an article about their 2-year-old daughter who is battling a rare and fatal disease. One of her last wishes is to travel from Glendale to Flagstaff to see snow, and Osweiler and his fiancé decided to contribute to the cause by sponsoring their transportation expenses to help make the trip a reality for the family.
Dunn deal: Home sweet home surprises Dade City resident
Michael Murillo, The Laker / Lutz News
Maldonado arrived with her infant son, Leonni, and was greeted by Warrick Dunn, former NFL player and philanthropist. His charity, Homes for the Holidays, helps single parents realize their dreams of owning a home.
Partnering with Habitat for Humanity of East and Central Pasco County, who helped Maldonado through the home-buying process and set her up with an advantageous loan, Dunn welcomed her into a fully furnished home with a well-stocked kitchen. From living room furniture to a bedroom set for Leonni, the home was move-in ready.
She signed the ownership paperwork, received her keys, and accepted a ceremonial check for $5,000, which went toward her mortgage, courtesy of Homes for the Holidays.
Giving Thanks
Elizabeth McGarr McCue, Sports Illustrated Kids
When he was six months old, Savion was diagnosed with sickle cell disease, a hereditary blood disorder that can cause severe pain and organ damage. He has been hospitalized at least 100 times, has had his spleen removed, and now receives monthly blood transfusions. A couple of years ago, he met twin NFL defensive backs Jason McCourty (Tennessee Titans) and Devin McCourty (New England Patriots), who have fought the disease through their foundation, Tackle Sickle Cell, which supports blood drives and aims to raise money and awareness.
Savion, 13, keeps in touch with the brothers several times a year at fund-raising walks and other events. "It feels like there are actually people out there listening to our prayers," says Savion. "It's very awe-inspiring to see that people this famous are supporting what I am going through." The twins have several family members who have struggled with the disease. "When I see Savion, he always has a smile on his face," says Jason. "It puts life in perspective."
Shawne Merriman Hosts 12th Annual Coat Drive at UMD
Press Release
NFL legend and entrepreneur, Shawne Merriman, will be hosting his annual Lights On Foundation’s 12th Annual Coat Drive at the University of Maryland College Park’s Byrd Stadium. Merriman will be in attendance for the duration of the coat drive, and will be available for interviews during, as well as in the days leading up to, the event.
The coats and other cold weather outerwear collected at the drive will be distributed to families in need to protect them from the harsh conditions anticipated in the months to come. The foundation welcomes any new or gently used items that can be spared to help those less fortunate, who are struggling to keep themselves and/or their families warm throughout the winter. Items eligible for donation include coats, hats, scarves, gloves, and any other cold weather clothing and accessories.
This is the twelfth year that Shawne’s Lights On Foundation has sponsored the coat drive in College Park, with over 20,000 coats and items already provided to homeless individuals in the Washington, DC metro area thus far. To compliment to his charity work, Merriman has created his Lights Out empire to inspire young people to work hard and never give up on their dreams.
J.J. Watt shows appreciation for police and firefighters with pizza
Louis Ojeda Jr., Fox Sports
The Houston Texans honored the U.S. Armed Forces on Sunday with their annual Salute to Service, but defensive superstar J.J. Watt also wanted to show his appreciation for the police and fire departments of Houston.
Rather than just give them turkeys for Thanksgiving, Watt sent pizzas from Papa John's -- a company he has previously worked with in partnership for charity -- along with the following letter on Tuesday.
"I just wanted to send y'all a small token of my appreciation for everything you do. My dad & uncle were both firefighters, so I spent a lot of time around the firehouse when I was younger and gained a great deal of respect for both firefighters & the police force along the way. Y'all show up day in & day out, never knowing what the day might hold and never getting enough thanks for what you do. Yet, you still continue to put others before yourselves and save lives because of it. As athletes, we often get the headlines and big crowds, but just like the men & women of our military, y'all are the ones who truly deserve the credit, appreciation & admiration. I know it's not much, but please enjoy lunch on me today. Thank you for all that you do!"
Torrey Smith Foundation Thanksgiving Celebration
Turron Davenport, Pro Player Insiders
Ravens’ wide receiver Torrey Smith hosted 100 children from Baltimore’s Living Classrooms’ P.O.W.E.R. House Community Center for a festive celebration and traditional Thanksgiving meal, donated by Jimmy’s Famous Seafood Tuesday evening.
The program, Torrey’s Turkey Day, provided an evening filled with fun and feasting to Baltimore children who might not otherwise have the opportunity to celebrate. Torrey and his wife, Chanel, surprised the students, ages 6-14, by extending their daily after-school programming lead by P.O.W.E.R. House. They spent a few hours playing games like Simon Says, decorating a “We are Thankful” Banner and jumping in the Photo Booth.
“One big focus of our foundation is to give kids a mentor, a role model. We love to partner with organizations like Living Classrooms because you can tell that they give that to their students.”
Titans give back to single moms in recovery
Jordan Buie, The Tennessean
Single mothers recovering from drug and alcohol abuse were treated to a special night Tuesday during which they could eat a traditional Thanksgiving dinner and let their families interact with positive male role models, something the women's lives have lacked.
Most people probably suspect that at 6 foot, 248 pounds, Tennessee Titans tight end Delanie Walker's best performance is on the field, but Walker, 30, is quick to say where he learned his best moves in life — his mother.
"I grew up in that household where my mom, she worked two jobs just to try to keep me and my brother into nice clothes and to keep food on our table," Walker said Tuesday during the first Delanie Walker Gives Back Turkey Bowl at the East Park Community Center on Woodland Street. There he shared time with single mothers and their children.
The community center was filled Tuesday night with running children, women with babies on their hips, turkey and dressing and a few professional football players. Walker and a few teammates volunteered their time with Renewal House, a local residential facility for women in recovery from drug and alcohol abuse.
Devon Still, Brian Hoyer share a hug, Bengals dedicate $1.3 million to charity in honor of Leah Still
Rodger Sherman, SB Nation
The Bengals sold a whole bunch of Devon Still jerseys to help raise money for charity after the news that his 4-year-old daughter, Leah, was sick with cancer. On Thursday night, the team gave that money to representatives of the Cincinnati Children's Hospital with Leah on the field -- tonight is the first time she's watched her dad play live.
Dad wore his "Leah Strong" eye black and got a hug from Browns QB Brian Hoyer -- after all, this is bigger than football.
Humble NFL player gives Thanksgiving to 150 families
Nate Brown, Your Houston News
Former NFL player and Humble native Sammy Davis, in conjunction with Kroger, is doing his best to ensure more families are able to enjoy the holiday.
Davis and students from local Fellowship of Christian Athletes chapters packed Thanksgiving dinners at Kroger on Tuesday, Nov. 25 in Atascocita for 75 Humble-area families.
“We are now in our fifth year of Sammy Davis Bird Bowl,” Kristal Howard, a public relations manager for Kroger said. “It’s 150 families that will not have to go without this Thanksgiving.”
Cowboys serve early Thanksgiving meals to needy
Merced Sun-Star
Some Dallas Cowboys have donned red aprons to help serve early Thanksgiving meals to the needy in North Texas.
Jason Witten, DeMarco Murray, Dan Bailey, Chris Jones, Tyrone Crawford, Kyle Wilber, Tyler Clutts and George Selvie were among the volunteers Monday at a Salvation Army center in Dallas.
Tyler Patmon, Chris Whaley and Davon Coleman joined other Cowboys who helped at a Salvation Army center in Fort Worth.
The players also took time to pose for photographs, sign autographs and visit with the diners.
Detroit Lions Glover Quin To Give Winter Coats To Those In Need
CBS Detroit
Teaming up with Clothes4Souls, retail shopping brand Macy’s and Feed The Children, Detroit Lions free safety Glover Quin aims to deliver 2,000 coats to people in need in Southeast Michigan as the cold winter months approach.
“A coat is not necessarily on their top priority list of things to acquire with all the other things that they have to get access to to be able to meet their basic needs,” said Anita Martiex, with the Greater Detroit Centers for Working Families. “So meeting Glover and receiving these coats is a really exciting opportunity for clients to feel like someone has connected with the needs of the average person.”
They will donate the coats and make them available through Detroit area non-profits.
“For my son it ended up making a big difference, because he needed a coat for winter…with the winters getting colder,” said mother Anita Martin. “And it helps financially as well.”
Quin, who appeared at a United Way event Tuesday was recently named the NFLPA Community MVP in recognition of the positive impact he has made in his community.
“If nothing else it just kinda shows that people care about them, somebody cares about them, somebody’s thinking about them, somebody’s trying to help them stay warm at least, if nothing else,” Quin said.
“Hopefully these coats will do a lot more than just keep them warm.”
Vincent Rey's Giving Spirit Continues
Bengals.com
Cincinnati Bengals players will be on Fountain Square on #GivingTuesday, Dec. 2, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., to accept gifts for Lighthouse Youth Services Happy Holidays gift drive, which provides gifts for more than 2,000 local children, teens and young adults in need. Stop by, drop off a donation and enjoy a game of corn hole or an #unselfie with Bengals players Vincent Rey, Clark Harris, Emmanuel Lamur, Marquis Flowers and Jayson DiManche.
The young people who are in Lighthouse’s care have often been abused and neglected with no real place to call home. Bengals linebacker Vincent Rey has brought his passion for giving back to the community and spending time with the youth served by Lighthouse for nearly three years and will be part of “Share on the Square” for the third year in a row.
Lighthouse first connected with Rey in December 2011 and invited him to the Lighthouse Youth Center at Paint Creek. He is passionate about helping young people overcome obstacles in life and uses his position as an NFL player to benefit the community and inspire others and give back.
Community Spotlight: Sharing at Thanksgiving
Teresa Varley, Steelers.com
As the line continued to grow outside the Hazelwood Senior Center on Second Avenue, the reality began to hit Steelers fullback Will Johnson even more. The mix of young and old, families and senior citizens living on fixed incomes, all there because of the struggles life brings, is why Johnson knew he wanted to give back.
A year ago Johnson attended then teammate LaMarr Woodley’s Thanksgiving food distribution and saw what it meant to the people who were provided a turkey and all of the fixings for a proper holiday meal. It touched him so much that when Woodley signed with the Oakland Raiders this offseason, Johnson immediately stepped up and took it over, hosting his first-ever Thanksgiving food distribution this year in conjunction with the Greater Pittsburgh Community Food Bank.
Johnson, who had current and former teammates helping him distribute the food he purchased to the 200 recipients, understands what it’s like to have to work for what you want, as he came from a single parent household and his mother, Wilma Gilmore, did everything she could to provide for them.
Center Maurkice Pouncey is no stranger to helping the food bank, and once again this year made sure families on Pittsburgh’s North Side were taken care of when he hosted his Thanksgiving food distribution at Stage AE.
Pouncey, along with teammates including his fellow offensive linemen, passed out turkeys he provided and the fixings to 200 low-income families who might otherwise go without Thanksgiving dinner.
“Thanksgiving is all about giving back and that is what I am trying to do,” said Pouncey. “To see all of those people’s faces come in there and get the turkey and food and have them happy is truly amazing.”
Pouncey will also spend part of his upcoming bye weekend distributing Thanksgiving baskets with his twin brother Mike in their hometown of Lakeland, Florida.
Mike Adams and Other Colts' Defense Backs, Personally Deliver Thanksgiving Packages to Those in Need
PR Log
WHEN: Friday, November 21, 2014 | 5:00 pm
WHO: Hosted by Mike Adams (Indianapolis Colts Safety) & Colts' Defensive Backs
WHAT: Mike Adams is giving back to families of Phalen Leadership Academy who are in need of assistance this Thanksgiving holiday. Team Adams has prepared boxes full of all holiday meal needs, and includes surprises for the families. Mike got his fellow defensive back teammates to be involved and some will be present during deliveries to homes.
Media is encouraged to cover a 10-house route of deliveries with the players
WHERE: 3-4 miles radius of Near Northside, Indianapolis (contact Melissa LaCorte for exact locations)
WHY: Mike Adams grew up as an inner city child and is now an active philanthropist who thrives on giving back to the community he is from and works in. He has been working with the children at Phalen Leadership Academy and is very passionate about assistance them in any nature.
Jeff Cumberland Making an Impact Off the Field
Jeremy Epstein, Jets Insider
The fifth-year tight end, is hosting a Thanksgiving Turkey Drive in his hometown of Columbus, Ohio on November 22 for inner city families.
Giving back to the community of Columbus and the New York and New Jersey area is something that is very important to Cumberland.
“Me growing up being in a tougher environment that I grew up in, with all the poverty in all that there wasn’t really anybody coming around giving back,” Cumberland said. “Even like the little bit of guys that actually made it out, they never really came back and did anything that was extravagant, that was noticeable. So, I always said once I made it and I was able to give back then I would give back in any type of way.”
Cumberland has lived up to his word. Since he has been in the NFL, he has been involved in numerous charity events. This is his third year doing a Turkey Drive in Columbus and he also holds annual Toy Drives in both Columbus and New York. This past June, he held his first annual youth football clinic.
Cumberland is so committed to his philanthropic efforts that for his Toy Drive in Columbus last year, he actually bought the toys himself for the under privileged children.
Dez Bryant spends Friday night handing out 1,500 turkeys at Oak Cliff YMCA
Sean Lester, The Dallas Morning News
Two days before the Dallas Cowboys take on the New York Giants on Sunday Night Football, Cowboys wide receiver Dez Bryant spent his Friday night getting in the holiday spirit.
Bryant held his first ThanXgiving Food Drive for Families in Need at the Oak Cliff YMCA on Friday and with the help of Albertson’s he gave 1,500 turkeys out to deserving families.
While the media was on hand to cover the event, Bryant also got some help from Cowboys legend Charles Haley.
Browns join Cleveland Food Bank to prepare Thanksgiving meals
Rick Fargo, 19 Action News
On Tuesday members of the Cleveland Browns joined the Greater Cleveland Food Bank to help prepare Thanksgiving meals for Northeast Ohio families.
The following Browns players were in attendance to help: Johnson Bademosi, Darius Eubanks, Spencer Lanning, Bill Winn, Travis Benjamin, Josh Gordon, Barkevious Mingo, Christian Yount, Joel Bitonio, Andrew Hawkins, Craig Robertson, Jordan Cameron, Chris Kirksey, Donte Whitner, Karim Barton, Kevin Cone, John Hughes, and Jordan Poyer.
The Browns help package food items to be sent to local shelters, food pantries, and food sites throughout Northeast Ohio.
Additionally the Browns organization and players collectively made donations that will supply nearly 80,000 meals this holiday season, including Turkeys and other selections.
Horseshoe Helpings: Colts players hand-deliver Thanksgiving meals
Lindy Thackston, Fox 59
The Indianapolis Colts and US Foods teamed up again this year to hand out full Thanksgiving meals to 2,000 Hoosier families as part of the annual “Horseshoe Helpings: From Our Home to Yours” event.
Each family pulled up to the drive-thru distribution line in the parking lot of Lucas Oil Stadium and received a bag full of food from Colts players and cheerleaders and other volunteers.
Each bag had a turkey, pumpkin pie, a 5 pound bag of potatoes, corn, green beans, stuffing, cranberry sauce and gravy. There were 43,000 pounds of food altogether.
The bags of food were assembled and distributed by volunteers. The families were pre-selected through local community centers, churches and schools. In addition, 10 local churches were selected to each receive 50 meals for the elderly and in-need families who were not able to attend the event.
Glover Quin named NFLPA Community MVP
Detroit Lions
Despite the many demands, most NFL players are able to set some time aside for various charitable causes and foundations. Still, it takes a special blend of passion and commitment to carve out the time necessary to make a lasting difference for one cause, nevertheless two or three. Glover Quin, starting free safety for the Detroit Lions, is unique in this regard.
Quin works with multiple organizations championing a number of different causes. They are organizations that are close to his heart. Most importantly, he possesses the dedication and genuine compassion that is necessary to make a tangible and lasting difference. With Quin, there is no risk of spreading himself too thin.
Quin’s most recent event occurred this past Tuesday to benefit The Ms. Molly Foundation, a non-profit organization that funds safe houses and shelters for domestic violence victims.
Several Jaguars giving back to the community
Courtney Jones, WTLV
A few Jaguars spent some time today giving back to the community. Paul Posluszny, Red Bryant, Chris Clemons and Marcedes Lewis each purchased Publix Thanksgiving meal boxes for families that need help this holiday season.
Each player had the desire to help families in the Jacksonville area, and with the assistance of American Red Cross, Sanctuary on 8th Street, First Tee Jacksonville, Boys and Girls Club, Community Connection, Hubbard House and Heart For Children, over 150 local families received food for the holidays.
Each dinner comes fully prepared with turkey, mashed potatoes, dressing with gravy and cranberry sauce enough to feed a family of four on Thanksgiving Day.
Bucs pass out 750 Thanksgiving meals to needy families
Bobby Lewis, WTSP
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers offensive linemen handed out 750 full Thanksgiving meals to area families Monday night. The giveaway was part of the team's eighth annual Turkey Time with the O-Line event.
The giveaway was started by former Bucs linemen Davin Joseph and Jeremy Trueblood in 2007. None of the current linemen were even on the Tampa Bay roster at that time but they all felt the need to continue what the team started.
"It's just a blessing for me to keep it going," said lineman Demar Dotson, who has been with the team for six seasons. "It just lets you know how fortunate you are because sometimes we forget that."
Cars lined up at One Buc Place shortly after 5:30 p.m. and began rolling through the players' parking lot ready to receive their Thanksgiving meals. Each car was given a turkey, a bag filled with stuffing, mashed potatoes, canned green beans, gravy, corn, gravy and cranberry sauce, and also, for the first time, the tools needed to cook the bird to perfection.
The giveaway was made possible because of organizations like Publix and the United Way. Since the giveaway started, the Bucs have handed out over 5,000 meals to families in Tampa Bay.
"Our players are out in the community quite a bit but to organize it and have this type of function right before Thanksgiving, it says a lot about the type of men we have here," said head coach Lovie Smith.
The Bucs will face the Cincinnati Bengals on Sunday at Raymond James Stadium.
Pittsburgh Steelers cornerback Ike Taylor returns to native New Orleans for turkey giveaway
Andrew Lopez, The Times-Picayune
Most NFL players likely would prefer to relax on their off day before a big game. But Pittsburgh Steelers cornerback Ike Taylor had something different in mind Tuesday.
Taylor, a New Orleans native, along with teammate William Gay, traveled back home Tuesday for his fifth annual Thanksgiving turkey drive.
Taylor credited Steelers coach Mike Tomlin for allowing him to return to his native city during such a crucial week. He said Tomlin allows and encourages his players to give back to the community, even during the middle of the season.
"This is my fifth year doing this, and I like doing it," Taylor said. "I'm going to continue doing it. I don't pay it no mind that it's the middle of a busy week. Coach Tomlin gives me the OK, so I go and do it.
"(Tomlin) gives a lot. He understands. I asked him five years ago if I could do it. He gave me a day when I could, so that's how it's been for five years now."
Gay said Tomlin understands that "life is bigger than football" and that it shows in events such as Taylor's giveaway.
Gay said when Taylor told him about the turkey giveaway, Gay was going to do anything he could to help out.
Sullivan Hosts Thanksgiving Dinner at Children's Hospital
Craig Peters, Vikings.com
John Sullivan, teammates and Vikings alumni players became honorary members of other families on Tuesday when the seventh-year center hosted an annual Thanksgiving meal at the University of Minnesota Masonic Children’s Hospital.
The visit offered a chance for players and team mascot Viktor to bring smiles to children who are facing tremendous health challenges and the families who love them dearly. The patients and their families were able to eat a free dinner of traditional holiday fare, talk with players and take pictures with them and receive autographs.
Sullivan, the 2013 Vikings Man of the Year, began his connection with the hospital during his rookie season when he joined former Vikings All-Pro guard Steve Hutchinson on visits. He’s been proud to continue that relationship and lead the charge since 2012, when Sullivan was named All-Pro. His annual events include a Halloween Huddle carnival and a meal and visit for the holidays in December.
Sullivan said he appreciated the support from teammates Brandon Fusco, Mike Harris, Isame Faciane, Donte Foster and Ryan Otten, former Vikings Walker Lee Ashley, Matt Blair, Tyrone Carter and Stu Voigt, and former Golden Gopher Willie Middlebrooks, who played professionally for Denver and San Francisco.
Carlos Dunlap Brings Birthday Smiles to Cincinnati Children
NFLPA.com
On November 19, Bengals defensive end Carlos Dunlap partnered with Faces Without Places and Bethany House Services to throw a birthday party at GameWorks for children in his team city of Cincinnati.
Bethany House Services collaborates with others to provide a full range of housing, education, and assistance programs to homeless and disadvantaged women and children, while FwP has provided educational and enrichment programming and crucial services to keep more than 35,000 children experiencing homelessness connected to their education. The Carlos Dunlap Foundation joined with the two organizations on the event because, as Dunlap said, they “believe everyone deserves a birthday party no matter their economic status.”
NFL player provides turkeys
McDuffie Progress
Darius Eubanks gave back to his community Saturday in return for how blessed he has been.
Eubanks, who plays linebacker for the Cleveland Browns, grew up in McDuffie County, and said he chose the Thanksgiving season to help the less fortunate by giving away more than 100 turkeys Saturday.
“This is my hometown, and I wanted to help people,” said Eubanks, who had nearly a dozen help him at the Depot. “I felt with the holiday season coming, this would be a good thing to begin helping others here.”
Sharing the Blessing: NFL player donates 250 Thanksgiving meals
Jeff Ireland, Covington Leader
The mood was light last Friday afternoon at St. Luke Missionary Baptist Church, located about four miles east of Covington on Highway 14.
Florence Dyson, who oversees the church's food pantry, was joking with her grandson Ramon Foster, who happens to be an offensive lineman for the Pittsburgh Steelers.
"Don't you pick up all that stuff by yourself now," Dyson, who was wearing a Steeler jersey with her grandson's number 73, yelled to Foster, who was in another room getting food ready to distribute. "We need you on Sunday. We don't need you getting injured."
Considering Foster is 6-6, weighs about 330 pounds and is a professional athlete, the comment drew laughter from several people.
"I got it," he said with a laugh.
He purchased 250 Thanksgiving meals that included a turkey, stuffing, mashed potatoes, green beans, cranberry sauce, rolls and cake mix and handed them out to area citizens in need.
Foster, 28, came to his grandmother with the idea a few weeks ago. As the organizer of the St. Luke food pantry, which is affiliated with the Mid-South Food Bank in Memphis, Dyson helps distribute food the third Thursday of every month.
Food was distributed the previous day, but Friday's event was a special occasion.
Local NFL Player Helping Provide Families A Thanksgiving Dinner
Jarrod Clay, WCHS ABC 8
Families in need will have the chance to have a Thanksgiving dinner thanks to a local NFL player.
New England Patriots wide receiver and Dunbar native Aaron Dobson will be hosting a turkey giveaway Thursday on Perkins Avenue in Dunbar.
The Marshall University alumnus is teaming up with the Kanawha Institute of Social Research and Action to provide turkeys for those in the community with mental health issues, along with families in need.
With the help of local businesses, Dobson plans to give always nearly 100 turkeys.
Lions' Ihedigbo learned work ethic, drive from his immigrant parents
Dave Birkett, Detroit Free Press
On Friday, he hosted a charity bowling tournament for his HOPE Africa Foundation at Emagine Theatres in Royal Oak. The event raised more than $15,000 that Ihedigbo said will fund scholarships to help first-generation immigrants complete their college degrees like his parents did years ago.
The scholarships are named in his father's memory, and his foundation has a partnership with the school his parents started in Nigeria.
"My mom tells me all the time how proud she is of me from my work ethic, and I always say to her, 'Well, I learned from the best,' " James Ihedigbo said. "And that's what so, for me, I'm a man of faith and my relationship with God, I look back and I say to God, 'Wow,' because the parallel is so similar to what my dad went through. Struggles of no one giving him anything, he had to work for everything that he had, and even though it's a different context, it's still the same similar thing where in terms of football I've had to work for everything that I had. No one's giving me anything."
Andre Williams a Model for Off-The-Field Achievement as a Rookie
NFLPA.com
Off the field, Williams is already considering starting his own nonprofit. He wants to help foster kids, youth who come from single-family homes, or any child who could use additional guidance or leadership in their life. He envisions an after-school program that will mentor these children, while teaching them diverse and valuable skills. In Williams’ mind, it will not be a typical daycare; he wants to nourish and culture the minds of young people who need it most.
In this respect, he has already established a partnership with “Get Schooled,” a non-profit organization that engages and motivates students to graduate from high school and succeed in college. Last week was his first speaking engagement with the group. He spoke in front of a group of high school seniors from two New York City area schools, the High School for Computers and Technology and Bronx Lab.
NFL Pro Ogletree Provides Meals to NFL Families
Wes Mayer, Times-Herald
Newnan native and professional football player Alec Ogletree visited Newnan on Tuesday to give back to his hometown in time for the holiday season.
To help out local families in need, Ogletree provided 350 free Thanksgiving dinners, which included whole frozen Publix turkeys, cornbread mix, cans of corn, green beans, cranberries and more. From noon to 1:30 p.m., Ogletree, his fiancee, Alex Adams, and his twin brother, Alexander, handed out dinners at Zion Hill Baptist Church on Pinson Street, greeting everyone and making sure each family has a meal for Thanksgiving.
Members of the church also helped hand out the meals, and a number of Newnan High School football players helped families carry their food, especially the heavy frozen turkeys, to their vehicles.
“It’s just a wonderful thing he’s doing for the community,” said Newnan resident Doris Wood after receiving her meal. “With his accomplishments, it’s great he is giving back.”
Eblen Charities distributes 12,000 holiday meals
Beth Walton, Citizen-Times
Celebrities and local businesses joined forces with Eblen Charities to distribute 12,000 meals to people in need Wednesday, a longstanding Asheville tradition to make sure everyone gets a Thanksgiving feast.
This year's feast included green beans, dressing mix, instant potatoes, cranberry sauce, cake mix and frosting. Each turkey weighs between 10 and 14 pounds and can feed a family of 10. This year, meals were given to 1,200 families.
Former NBA star and broadcaster Brad Daugherty and former NFL player and United States Congressman Heath Shuler partnered with Ingle's Markets, Duke Energy, Wells Fargo, Asheville Radio Group and others at the Giving Thanks at Thanksgiving event.
Calais Campbell Named NFLPA Community MVP
NFLPA.com
Every year, players on NFL teams elect one of their teammates to receive the prestigious Walter Payton Man of the Year award, an honor that acknowledges the player making the biggest impact both on the field and in the community. For the second time in Calais Campbell’s career, the star defensive end for the Arizona Cardinals was named the Cardinals’ nominee for the award.
This week, Campbell’s CRC Foundation passed out 300 turkeys and Thanksgiving dinners to those in need. Before going into work at the Cardinals practice facility, Campbell personally helped drop off 150 of the 300 turkeys and thanksgiving meals at South Pointe Elementary in Phoenix. Afterwards, he participated in the school’s turkey trot at a local park.
On former NFL player Jason Brown’s farm, goodwill is main crop
Kevin Paul Dupont, Boston Globe
Brown’s story has gained a lot of national attention in recent days, which is a good thing. In a time when NFL players seem best known for their mistakes and misdeeds, sometimes even their inhumane cruelties, his tale resonates, especially here on the eve of Thanksgiving. He is the multimillionaire former NFLer who had to teach himself how to farm, but needed no tutorial in decency, charity, good will. Such stories are the rarest exception.
According to Page, Brown has bigger plans for next year. He told her he envisions up to twice as many acres full of sweet potatoes, with even more gleaners to cull them out of the ground. He would like it all to be festive, with music playing, food grilling, kids running here and there.
Free meals in Hampton Roads for those in need
The Virginian-Pilot
Free Turkey Dinner until the turkey runs out (15 turkeys provided by former NFL player Bruce Smith of Virginia Beach). 11 a.m. Granny's Country Cooking, 636 W. 35th St., Norfolk.
Statesboro native NFL player starts local foundation
Julie Lavender, Statesboro Herald
Baltimore Ravens player DeAngelo Tyson, a former Statesboro High School standout, has announced the formation of the Tyson Foundation, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that will benefit the city that gave him hope and opportunity.
Abandoned by his birth parents, Tyson spent the majority of his young life at Joseph's Home for Boys, a now-closed long-term group home in Statesboro that provided a stable living environment for troubled or deserted kids.
The Tyson Foundation's stated mission is: "To serve youth, young athletes and teenage mothers through support and opportunities that will empower them to unlock their own personal potential. The Foundation is dedicated to building young adults and families through new hope."
Breeland does PSA for Richmond County Kids
Tony Crumpton, Tiger Net
Former Clemson defensive back Bashaud Breeland was cited for marijuana possession earlier this year during Redskin's training camp.
Breeland has done a public service announcement for the City of Richmond instead of community service for his misdemeanor offense. The short video tell kids to make smart decisions and use good judgment in life.
For the season, he has 39 tackles, eight pass deflections, two force fumbles and one interception. He was drafted by the Redskins in the fourth round with the 102nd overall pick in the 2014 NFL draft.
T.J. helps 'High Five Turkey Drive' provide Thanksgiving dinners to over 500 Kalamazoo-area families
Stan Sulewski, MLive.com
More than 500 Kalamazoo-area families who might have gone without Thanksgiving dinner will now have a full spread on the table, thanks to the High Five Turkey Drive.
T.J. Duckett, a Loy Norrix High School graduate who played football for Michigan State and the Detroit Lions, was at Parkwood-Upjohn Elementary School along with Western Michigan University football coach P.J. Fleck, former Mattawan and NFL football player Noah Herron and others Wednesday to give out Thanksgiving meals to families who came to the school and load up trucks for deliveries to others.
In all, organizers planned to hand out or deliver 512 meals to families in the Kalamazoo area, and another 512 meals to families in the Lansing area.
Local NFL players set example, give back
Todd Cline, Gwinnett Daily Post
Jared Cook, the former North Gwinnett High start — who excelled in both football and basketball — now plays tight end for the St. Louis Rams. While he is busy finishing his season, his name is front and center locally at his alma mater, where the basketball tournament that bears his name finished up Tuesday night.
Cook sponsors the Jared Cook Tip-Off Classic, but his participation is much more than an egostistical need to see his name on a bunch of T-shirts. North has always been a tradition-rich basketball school, and Cook’s sponsorship helps the Bulldogs continue their tradition of hosting holiday tournaments. But there’s also another major plus to the tourney.
Proceeds go to a cancer foundation in honor of his mother, Yulinda, a cancer survivor. Last year, the tournament raised $2,500 and this year it will add to that total while also providing a nice holiday tune-up for the participating teams. It’s a great way to give back to the community and a very nice way to honor his mother.
That is just one example of the kind nature of Gwinnett’s NFL players. At Central Gwinnett, the football team was recently surprised with brand-new cleats for everyone. It was a gift from former Black Knight Johnathan Massaquoi, who plays for the Atlanta Falcons.
Prior to this year, Central hadn’t been to the state football playoffs since 2006. Massaquoi, who has visited the Black Knights’ practices and given pep talks to the team, told the players that he’d treat them to new shoes if they could make it to the postseason. When the team held up its end, Massaquoi stayed true to his word and the players were greeted at last Thursday’s practice by boxes and boxes of brand-new black Nike cleats.
Ware surprises fan in the military
Ben Swanson, Denver Broncos
Marine Sgt. Edward Welsh could find the right words. He almost couldn't find any words at all, but "I don't know what to say" tumbled out of his mouth as he searched for something—anything—to put his thoughts the best way he could after DeMarcus Ware shocked him with an unnanounced visit during his day off from work.
"Sometimes you don't need words," Ware replied.
Ware, who has family members in the military and at one time considered joining the military, decided to take a trip to Sgt. Welsh's house as part of the Salute to Service month from USAA, the official military appreciation sponsor of the Broncos.
Once inside with Sgt. Welsh, Ware gave him and his family gift packs, including game-issued equipment, tickets to the Dec. 28 Broncos game against Oakland for his entire family. Ware even came equipped with toys for Sgt. Welsh's two young sons.
McGee Partners with Annie's Hope
Taylor Gorton, St. Louis Rams
Brandon McGee isn’t merely an athlete motivated to advocate for a great cause, rather he’s a symbol of hope for other children who have suffered the loss of a parent.
McGee and the St. Louis Rams are teaming up with Annie’s Hope tomorrow on Children’s Grief Awareness Day. As part of partnership, McGee is encouraging fans to wear blue to raise awareness of the day and visit www.annieshope.org to learn more about ways to support the day and the organization.
Annie’s Hope is a local nonprofit that serves the St. Louis area to provide comprehensive support for children, teens, and their families who are grieving the death of someone close to them. The organization’s current outreach serves about 2,500 children within nearly 12 counties. Founder and Executive Director of Annie’s Hope, Rebecca Byrne, is thrilled to utilize the Rams as a vehicle for expansion.
“It means that we can reach more kids and it means that there are fewer kids out there grieving alone,” said Byrne. “I know we’re making a difference in the kids’ lives.”
Partnering with Annie’s Hope doesn’t stop with recognizing Children’s Grief Awareness Day. In fact, forty kids and teens from Annie’s Hope received game tickets to watch the Rams victory over the Denver Broncos this past Sunday thanks to McGee and the team’s community outreach department.
Do you know of a current or former NFL player making a difference in his community? Share it with the NFLPA. Email information to Jilane.Rodgers@nflpa.com.
Happy Thanksgiving from the NFL Players Association!
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