2015-11-26

For Immediate Release

November 26, 2015

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 current and former NFL players give back to their communities every single day. Please click on the links provided for full articles.

Area NFL players ‘handoff’ Thanksgiving meals to needy families

The Lima News

Two current and former NFL players teamed up with local school districts Tuesday to provide Thanksgiving meals for needy families. Kyle Miller, an Elida High School graduate and former member of the San Diego Chargers, and Jarrod Pughsley, a Lima Senior High School graduate and current offensive lineman for the Kansas City Chiefs, were the driving force behind the inaugural event. The aptly named “Hometown Thanksgiving Handoff” provided 1,000 meals to families in the Elida and Lima school districts. The meals were paid for by the hometown football stars with help from community members who donated money to the cause.

Practice, charity events, massages: All in a week's work for Cardinals' Calais Campbell

ESPN

Between appointments, Campbell talked with his publicist about his "Thanksgiving Dinners for Families" event, in which he provides more than 250 dinners to families in need. Campbell went home for dinner before heading to the Cardinals' practice facility to help host Football 101, an event to teach fans about how the Cardinals' operation works and what players do day to day. This year's event had more than 300 people, Campbell said.

NFL Insider: Vikings’ Brian Robison starts foundation, hosts charity fishing tourney

Star-Telegram

He recently started The Brian Robison “Reel ’Em In” Foundation, teaming with existing charitable organizations. He and his wife, Jayme, chose K9s4Cops as their 2016 partner. Robison, an avid fisherman, will host a fundraising fishing tournament at Lake Fork in East Texas on April 9-10. All proceeds will benefit K9s4Cops, Robison said.

Jason Pierre-Paul now aspires to inspire, considers himself a role model

New York Daily News

Last week, Pierre-Paul spent time Facetiming with 11-year-old Seamus Bohannon, a youngster who had parts of two fingers amputated after a bicycle accident, and he’s spent increasing time reaching out to other children who can learn from his Fourth of July nightmare.

Jaguars in the Community: Thomas leads reading event

Jacksonville Jaguars

Julius Thomas had nearly 50 children locked in to his every word, quiet and focused on the presentation. He held the book high for all to see the illustrations – using his surgically repaired right hand, without a brace – and flipped pages with his left as he read.

Colts Defensive Backs Tackle Hunger

Colts Roundup

On Friday, Adams gathered up the defensive backs, and with an SUV filled with food, went out and delivered Thanksgiving meals to families in need from Phalen Leadership Academies. One of the things PLA is grateful for is the relationship they have with Mike Adams and the Colts.

Cam Newton helps feed kids at annual Thanksgiving Jam

NFL dot com

Cam Newton will be a little busy on Thanksgiving. So the Carolina Panthers quarterback had his Turkey Day celebration on Monday. With the help of his foundation, Newton fed around 900 underprivileged and at-risk kids at his annual Thanksgiving Jam in Charlotte. In addition to turkey, dressing, mashed potatoes and all the fixings, the event even featured a "dab" contest, with three girls on stage performing Newton's new signature move.

Brandon Carr holds charity event, gives away free books to elementary school children

The Dallas Morning News

Carr went out to Allen Elementary to host a PLAY 60-READ 20 event. The event promotes children getting 60 minutes of physical activity and 20 minutes of reading in daily. Carr helped read 'Kid Owner' by former NFL player Tim Green, who was also in attendance.

Roth: Buffalo Bills sack hunger with blitz of turkeys

Democrat & Chronicle

This Thanksgiving and through the holiday season, 1,000 families in the Buffalo area will sit down to a warm meal thanks to the Bills' kindness, generosity and belief that it’s their responsibility to give back to a community that gives so much to them. A total of 17 players took the time to actually volunteer with Food Bank staff to distribute the meals in person to 625 families. The rest of the families will receive their meals from now until Christmas.

Von Miller hosts third annual Von's Vision Celebrity Steak-Out

Denver Broncos

Von Miller held his third annual Celebrity Steak-Out to raise funds for his foundation Von's Vision, which helps supply low-income children in Denver with glasses and frames. Miller and numerous teammates swapped out their jerseys for aprons to serve drinks and hors d'oeuvres to guests during silent auctions that included autographed jerseys, other memorabilia and assorted prizes, which raised money for Von's Vision.

Still haunted, NFL player, country singer wife tackle important issue

The Hamilton Spectator

That experience has driven Decker to partner with STOMP Out Bullying, along with his wife Jessie, to educate students, teachers and parents. The Jets launched an antibullying campaign by donating 1,000 prevention tool kits to area schools, and the Deckers wanted to be ambassadors to the program through their foundation.

Alfred Morris, WRCF Promote Reading At Thomson Elementary School

Washington Redskins

Despite any nerves, Morris was happy to get back out in the community with the Washington Redskins Charitable Foundation, which on Monday partnered with Everybody Wins! DC for a Redskins Read event at Thomson Elementary School in Washington, D.C. Everybody Wins! DC is a non-profit organization that focuses on promoting children’s literacy by providing shared reading experiences. Students at Thomson Elementary have the chance to participate in the organization’s Power Lunch program, in which reading mentors help to improve comprehension level and foster a love for learning.

Former NFL player Devon Still donates PlayStations to duPont Hospital

WDEL

A former NFL player stopped by A.I. duPont Hospital for Children Tuesday--where he'd spent a lot of time himself--in an effort to try to bring joy to kids as they recover from cancer and traumatic injuries. Ex-Cincinnati Bengals defensive tackle Devon Still signed autographs and gave kids advice about their sports-related injuries.

NFL’s Ogletree hosts second turkey drive

The Newman Times-Herald

Newnan NFL defender Alec Ogletree is used to takeaways rather than giveaways on the football field. But the third-year St. Louis Rams linebacker was back in his hometown at alma mater Newnan High School for his second annual Thanksgiving turkey drive.

Cards Help Feed The Hungry

Arizona Cardinals

Catanzaro delivered numerous plates of food to families waiting at tables, hoping to spread some holiday cheer. Catanzaro was joined by center Lyle Sendlein, guard Mike Iupati, long snapper Mike Leach and punter Drew Butler. It was an upbeat scene, as many patrons arrived decked out in Cardinals gear and received autographs and pictures in addition to the food.

Chris Borland teams with Blue Mounds company to raise money for former NFL players

The Capital Times

There was a cause, however, that linked Borland with LaFond's Blue Mounds-based American Provenance. They've teamed up to create a gift box of the company's products, from which the proceeds will benefit the Gridiron Greats Assistance Fund, a nonprofit organization that provides financial grants and medical assistance to retired NFL players.

Browns give back to Greater Cleveland Food Bank

Cleveland Browns

Browns players had the day off Monday, but they still did plenty of heavy lifting. Only instead of weights, they were hauling frozen turkeys and sacks of potatoes. In one of the Browns First and Ten program’s biggest events of the season, a long list of Browns players and alumni came out to the Greater Cleveland Food Bank to help distribute meals leading up to the holiday season. Dozens of players and alumni contributed to the cause – either financially or through in-person service. Those who volunteered in-person included: Johnson Bademosi, Joel Bitonio, Ibraheim Campbell, Pierre Desir, John Hughes III, Erle Ladson, Johnny Manziel, Jamie Meder, Barkevious Mingo, Austin Pasztor, Danny Shelton, Scott Solomon, Dylan Wynn and alumni Keith Baldwin, Roger Chanoine, Kevin Mack, Greg Pruitt, and Cleo Miller.

Port Arthur NFL stars remember roots, give back

Port Arthur News

Some Port Arthur families’ Thanksgivings were made a little brighter thanks to the generosity of some NFL families. Jordan and Jonathan Babineaux and Jamaal Charles, all Port Arthur residents and NFL stars, hosted their annual turkey basket giveaway. This year’s event was held at Sacred Heart Catholic Church on Booker T. Washington Avenue on Tuesday. A total of 200 turkey baskets were distributed at no charge on a first come, first serve basis.

J.J. Watt thinks his charity event can sell out an MLB stadium

ESPN

Next year, for the fourth annual J.J. Watt Charity Classic, he's using Minute Maid Park as a venue. A stadium whose regular residents, the Houston Astros, a resurgent playoff team, had trouble selling out this season.

Broncos player Taurean Nixon spends his Sundays with hospitalized kids

USA Today Sports

A rookie seventh rounder out of Tulane, Nixon lives the typical practice squad life. He serves multiple roles on the scout team, covering wideouts Demaryius Thomas and Emmanuel Sanders on one series, then switching to offense and running receiver routes against corners Aqib Talib and Chris Harris. It’s the same grueling schedule — practices, weightlifting and condition sessions and long hours of meetings — as your teammates but for a fraction of the paycheck and none of the glory on game days. When Nixon realized in early September that he wouldn’t travel to road games, he figured he needed to find a way to make himself feel useful on Sundays. His solution was simple: Go to the hospital and make a kid’s day.

NFL player Michael Johnson ‘paying it forward’

Montgomery Advertiser

Johnson came back home and hosted a luncheon for local fans who hung on every word. What he and his parents have established is the Michael Johnson Foundation, something that will protect as well as set aside some of those big bucks in the form of community contributions and other financial expenditures to help those who mean the most to him.

Former Cleveland Browns player donates turkeys to community

WYTV

Former Cleveland Browns player Ishmaa’ily Kitchen donated 200 turkeys to families in Youngstown for Thanksgiving. Kitchen, a Cardinal Mooney High School graduate, joined dozens of Cardinal Mooney students at the school to pass out the turkeys to people in need.

49ers Partner with TurningWheels for Kids Presented by Optum

San Francisco 49ers

On Monday, November 2, the San Francisco 49ers hosted their annual Bike Build with TurningWheels for Kids presented by Optum at the SAP Performance Facility. Players including WR Torrey Smith, DT Quinton Dial, and FB Bruce Miller along with nearly a dozen others from the 49ers roster joined 49ers front office staff and volunteers from Optum and Optum Cycling to assemble 50 Diamondback and Raleigh bicycles for students of 49ers Academy. More than just a recreational tool, the bikes will provide the students with transportation and additional access to critical community resources.

NFL player returns to Jacksonville to give back

WJXT

Jacksonville native Tavaris Barnes is an NFL rookie with the New Orleans Saints. The name of his first outreach program is "Comin' Bacc to Give Bacc." With time off from the NFL, he, along with his mom and other friends and family, spent some of that time at the Trinity Rescue Mission Wednesday. Barnes was just as excited to give as so many were to receive the toys, toiletries, food and cold-weather comforts he provided at Trinity Rescue.

Local NFL player makes big donation to alma mater

WAVY

An NFL player from Portsmouth made a big donation to his alma mater, James Madison University.

Churchland graduate Arthur Moats and his wife, donated $300,000 to the university. He played at JMU from 2006-2009. He now plays for the Pittsburgh Steelers. According to the university, the donation will go towards scholarships and fundraising for a new convocation center.

Jason Witten, Cowboys Encourage Fans To “Get In The Game”

Dallas Cowboys

On Monday the Dallas Cowboys and Jones Family Foundation sponsored the “Get in the Game” luncheon at AT&T Stadium to benefit The Gatehouse – a supportive living community on 61 acres in Grapevine, Texas, where women and children escaping abuse or other crisis can discover new paths for permanent change. Opened earlier this year, The Gatehouse functions as a “next step” after emergency shelter programs, offering longer-term residency and resources for women to reach permanent self-supportiveness. But Monday’s luncheon was much more than a fundraiser for a good cause. It was an effort to open eyes and awaken the DFW Metroplex to the realities of domestic abuse. With statistics showing that one in four women will experience violence by an intimate partner in their lifetime, there’s no question that this issue is an epidemic, and it’s time for everyone to “get in the game.”

Ex-NFL star Adewale Ogunleye comes home to PS 57 for a day

Staten Island Advance

Adewale Ogunleye came home Tuesday morning and felt PS 57 wrap its arms around him again. The retired NFL defensive lineman who was raised in Park Hill and attended Tottenvillle High School was the special guest of a Thanksgiving turkey giveaway program at his former elementary school. He joined current Jets defensive lineman Stephen Bowen and ex-NFL linebacker Akin Ayodele for the event co-sponsored by Food Bank of New York City.

Foundation planning turkey giveaway

Gainesville Guardian

If you’re planning to enjoy Thanksgiving with family and friends but need a little extra help to make it happen, then you are in luck because vouchers for a free turkey will be provided again this year during the annual Thanksgiving Turkey Blessing Giveaway, which will observe its sixth year — thanks to the Wilfork Foundation. Again this year, 800 turkeys will be provided by The Wilfork Foundation, founded by Gainesville native Bianca Wilfork and her husband, Vincent Wilfork, a nose tackle with the Houston Texans.

Seahawks' Ricardo Lockette fed homeless on way home from hospital

King 5

On his way home from the hospital, injured Seahawks receiver Ricardo Lockette – neck brace and all – took time out to help feed a homeless community in Dallas last week. But TMZ reports, as Lockette was leaving the hospital with his family last Thursday, he passed through an area with a large homeless population. According to his father, Earl, Lockette told the driver to go to McDonald’s to buy 100 cheeseburgers. Lockette and his family then handed them out to the people on the street.

NFL’s Jarrod Pughsley, Kyle Miller give back in hometown handoff

The 419

Andy Lynch and District 8 Fellowship of Christian Athletes hosted the first annual Legends Hometown Handoff on Tuesday. Kyle Miller and Jarrod Pughsley are giving back to the Lima and Elida communities by helping provide meals for families who can’t afford it over the Thanksgiving holiday.

Fresno charities sweat out slow donations for Thanksgiving, holidays

Fresno Bee

And families lining up for Tuesday afternoon’s regular last-Tuesday-of-the-month food-box giveaway at the West Fresno Family Resource Center got an unexpected addition to their boxes, as former Fresno State and NFL defensive back Richard Marshall donated 300 turkeys. Marshall, a second-round draft pick of the Carolina Panthers in 2006, last played for the San Diego Chargers in 2014, was an all-Western Athletic Conference player in 2004 and 2005 while at Fresno State.

Patriots provide Goodwill gesture

New England Patriots

Patriots Chairman and CEO Robert Kraft, Patriots players Chandler Jones, Devin McCourty, Stephen Gostkowski, Brandon LaFell and many others handed out Thanksgiving meals in a basket – filled with turkeys and Thanksgiving fixings – to 220 families in need at Boston's Goodwill headquarters in Roxbury on Wednesday night.

Giants JT Thomas Hosts “Monday Night Bowling” Charity Event For Autism Awareness

NFLPA

On Monday, November 2, New York Giants linebacker JT Thomas hosted a “Monday Night Bowling” charity event with Intensive Therapeutics, a non-profit organization that provides occupational therapy programs to children with autism and other special needs. The event took place at AMF Wallington Lanes which attracted over 400 adults and children.

Steelers give back during the holiday season

Pittsburgh Steelers

The Steelers were out in the community this Thanksgiving season giving back and assisting in the fight against hunger.

Denver Broncos players help prepare Thanksgiving meal

247 Sports

Before the Broncos celebrated Thanksgiving on their own, they helped others enjoy the holiday. The Denver Post's Nicki Jhabvala followed the players to a Salvation Army in Denver on Tuesday. Inside linebacker Brandon Marshall, safety Omar Bolden, defensive end Malik Jackson, safety David Bruton, wide receiver Bennie Fowler and cornerbacks Kayvon Webster and Taurean Nixon were all in attendance. They prepared stuffing, potatoes, green beans and cranberry sauce for a massive feast at the Colorado Convention Center on Thursday. The meals are for the homeless, veterans and recovering addicts.

Jets Give Thanks by Giving Back

New York Jets

Earlier last week, the Jets tackled hunger and spread holiday cheer with the Food Bank For New York City in West Harlem. Players were on hand at a neighborhood soup kitchen to help distribute turkeys, prep meals, and serve pre-Thanksgiving dinners to over 600 hundred guests. Defensive lineman Leger Douzable, punter Ryan Quigley and tight end Zac Sudfeld realize that this is a time for giving rather than receiving.

Marcell Dareus Sponsors Trip to Local NFL Matchup for Hometown Fans

NFLPA

Knowing that he would never get to play a NFL game in his home City of Birmingham, AL, Marcell Dareus decided to bring Birmingham, AL to his NFL game, in the form of an all expense paid trip to see him and the Buffalo Bills take on the Tennessee Titans.

NFL players talk openly to help destigmatize mental illness

Associated Press

Now that he's embraced the benefits of counseling, Foster has joined the Jets' Brandon Marshall's PROJECT 375, a nonprofit organization dedicated to eradicating the stigma surrounding mental illnesses and disorders. Foster is the first of what Marshall hopes will become a group of athletes, entertainers and business leaders who will talk openly about the issue as members of what he calls the organization's founders circle.

New England Patriots Aaron Dobson To Give Away 200 Turkeys For Thanksgiving

NFLPA

Super Bowl champion and New England Patriots wide receiver is taking time to spread joy and good food for Thanksgiving. The 3rd-year Patriot and native of Dunbar, is set to distribute 200 turkeys to hometown families in need this season.

Turkey Drive 16 helps needy families provide Thanksgiving meal

WAPT

The Mississippi Food Network was wrapping up its holiday donations on Tuesday. Former NFL stars were helping out Tuesday at the Gateway Rescue Mission, serving the homeless and the hungry.

Eagles LB Connor Barwin wants to help rebuild his hometown Detroit

ESPN

He’s hoping to be part of that change as well. Barwin, who grew up in Hazel Park, Michigan, expressed interest Tuesday in making some investments in the city he grew up in and still returns to at times during NFL offseasons. On Friday, the day after his Philadelphia Eagles play the Detroit Lions on Thanksgiving, he plans to stay in Detroit to tour a couple of projects with a group spearheaded by billionaire Dan Gilbert.

Redskins Host 13th Annual Harvest Feast

Washington Redskins

It’s a Thanksgiving tradition that never grows old for Jeris White. The former Redskins cornerback was one of more than 500 volunteers on hand Saturday at FedExField for the Washington Redskins Charitable Foundation’s 13th annual Harvest Feast presented by Ryan Homes, where Thanksgiving food baskets were assembled and distributed to 2,500 Prince George’s County residents in need. Allen and White were joined by several other former and current Redskins players and team officials volunteering on Saturday, including Takoby Cofield, Austin Reiter, Tony Spinosa, Ricky Ervins, Clarence Vaughn and the Washington Redskins Cheerleaders.

Wallace Gilberry's holiday spirit is in full effect

247 Sports

Defensive end Wallace Gilberry's generosity has taken full bloom with Thanksgiving around the corner. The Bengals player decided to help out at the Freestore Food Bank on Tuesday, but he already put his money where his month is in terms of giving the day before. As Fox 19 detailed, Gilberry provided a random act of generosity when he bought a family a Playstation 4 console along with various games.

A day in the life of an NFL player, could you handle it?

WGNO

Tim [Leito] is also involved in charities and actively participates in the community. He host a softball tournament called "The Big Shot" in the summer. Portions of the proceeds benefit Get Checked or Check Out Health Foundation and The Team Gleason Foundation.

Woodson, Rivers, Megatron among sportsmanship award nominees

Associated Press

Veterans Charles Woodson, Philip Rivers and Calvin Johnson are among 32 players nominated for the Art Rooney Award that honors sportsmanship in the NFL. The winner will receive a $25,000 donation from the NFL Foundation to a charity of his choice. Other long-time NFL players nominated include Colts QB Matt Hasselbeck (17th season), Packers LB Julius Peppers (14th), Browns QB Josh McCown (13th), Saints TE Benjamin Watson (12th), Chiefs LB Derrick Johnson (11th), Vikings LB Chad Greenway (10th), Eagles LB DeMeco Ryans (10th), Steelers CB William Gay (ninth) and 49ers T Joe Staley (ninth).

49ers Give Back at Thanksgiving Feast

San Francisco 49ers

San Francisco 49ers players and their families served a Thanksgiving holiday dinner to those in need.

Colts Lend A Hand In The Kitchen

Colts Roundup

The Colts know teamwork is the key to success on the field and in the community. And on Tuesday, players joined volunteers at a kitchen in Indianapolis that’s using teamwork to feed Hoosier families in need. Cornerback D’Joun Smith understands the plight of those facing hardship. Along with CB Tay Glover-Wright, QB Matt Blanchard, and Colts director of player engagement, David Thornton, Smith toured Second Helpings, learned about their services, and lent a hand in the kitchen alongside volunteers.

Wheels of Boom food drive nets 6,372 pounds of food

KING 5 News

Seahawks fans checked out beautifully "Hawk'd out" vehicles and also donated 6,342 pounds of food and 830 pounds of dog food for the Snoqualmie Food Bank. The event last weekend also brought in $1,500 in cash donations. Mama Lynch and ex-Seahawk Jordan Babineaux were on hand at the City of North Bend and Wheels of Boom's 12s Day Seahawks Tailgate and Rally food drive.

The bye week left Willie Snead feeling 'amazing' for the home stretch

Fox Sports

“I feel amazing,” Snead told The New Orleans Advocate after helping hand out Thanksgiving dinners to underserved families at the Saints’ annual Turkey Giveaway at the Dryades YMCA in New Orleans on Tuesday.

NFL star donates turkeys to local families

WAVY

Hundreds of families will have a turkey on their Thanksgiving table, thanks to an NFL player with local roots. Representatives for current Tennessee Titan Justin Hunter gave away 300 turkeys at New Jerusalem Church in Virginia Beach Saturday. Organizers also set aside turkeys to give to people who are confined to their homes, according to Aleisha Rayner, Hunter’s girlfriend.

Chiefs Kingdom Food Drive Kicked Off Tuesday at Harvesters

Kansas City Chiefs

The Kansas City Chiefs, in partnership with Farmland and Hy-Vee, officially kicked off the Chiefs Kingdom Food Drive benefitting Harvesters on Tuesday afternoon, when Farmland made an initial donation of 25,000 pounds of assorted protein to coincide with Hyvee’s 6,000-pound donation of non-perishable food items.

Thomas Davis, teammates to feed homeless for Thanksgiving

WCNC

Over 150 homeless people will be fed a Thanksgiving meal by NFL Man of the Year and Carolina Panther Thomas Davis and his Defending Dreams Foundation in Charlotte. On November 18, Davis, his foundation, Panthers teammates, and friends will gather to provide a meal at Lola's Restaurant in uptown Charlotte. The annual dinner is part of the foundation's goal to help over 2,100 people each year. Players and volunteers will hand serve meals to the families as a special way to celebrate Thanksgiving.

WATCH: Panthers Turn Into Servers for Charity

Charlotte Magazine

27 Carolina Panthers helped safety Roman Harper raise money for his Hope 4*1 Foundation Monday night at Fahrenheit Restaurant. The players acted as celebrity servers during a four-course dinner for 250 guests who shelled out tips in the form of 'Hope Bucks.'

You Can Still Help Feed The Flock

Baltimore Ravens

The Ravens November Food Collection and #FeedtheFlock promotion continues this week and won’t end until the team’s goal is reached. In celebration of the Ravens’ 20th season and 20 years of supporting the Maryland Food Bank (MFB), the team hopes to collect at least 20,000 pounds of food. Fans can still donate at more than 50 Baltimore-area Giant Food stores from now until Monday, Nov. 16. That day, defensive end Brandon Williams will join the Ravens and MFB staff at the Giant Food store in Clarksville, MD for a final collection rally.

This real-life Santa keeps on giving

The Tampa Tribune

One of the best examples of a modern-day Santa is former Tampa Bay Buccaneers running back Warrick Dunn, whose Home for the Holidays program for years has raised money for down-payments and furnishings to allow dozens of single working mothers in the Tampa Bay area, Atlanta and his native Louisiana to buy houses. He started Warrick Dunn Charities in 2003. Last month the charity, with little fanfare and the help of Habitat for Humanity, helped a single mother move into a new house in Seminole Heights. It was the 145th time he had made home ownership a reality for a family.

The Spark

The Players’ Tribune

I won’t lie to you. When I took this trip to Haiti in 2012, I didn’t expect some kind of life-changing experience. I had just finished my second season with the Buffalo Bills. I was a football player. That was my entire identity. My entire self-worth hinged on how I played in the most recent game. In order to be loved, I thought I had to perform for it. Sure, I went to church and tried to be a stand-up person, but mostly, it was all talk. For the last few years, we have been chopping away, building up our community and partnering with university researchers to monitor how our after-school programs are impacting the kids, and figuring out how we can do better. I have two full-time jobs. One as an NFL player, and one as the head of our organization, i’mMe.

Former NFL Player Gives Back To Humble Community

ABC 13

Thanksgiving is a time everyone should remember what they're most grateful for, and for former Humble Wildcat and National Football League player Sammy Davis, it's a time to give back to the area that helped raise him by giving meals to those in need. Davis partnered with Kroger and the Humble Area Assistance Ministries (HAAM) to donate 50 meals to needy families so they can celebrate Thanksgiving with a full meal.

Broncos' Malik Jackson up for NFL's Salute to Service Award

247 Sports

As his career on the field takes off, Broncos defensive end Malik Jackson is using his growing profile to raise money for a good cause. Jackson works with Helping Hands with Freedom, an organization that supports the spouse and children of a veteran who dies or those who return with major injuries. In recognition of his work, Denver nominated Jackson for the NFL's Salute to Service Award. The honor is given to a player who demonstrates a dedication to supporting the military.

Replay: Festival Foods Pack the Pantry Clubhouse Live

Packers News

Join Green Bay Packers wide receiver Randall Cobb and left tackle David Bakhtiari for the Festival Foods Pack the Pantry Clubhouse Live on Monday at 7:15 p.m.

The charity show will benefit Gannett Wisconsin Media's Stock the Shelves campaign and be held in the Grand Ballroom inside the Radisson Paper Valley Hotel in downtown Appleton.

McCourty twins are giving back by making sickle cell their fight

Sporting News

Blood drives, 5K runs and casino nights have all been part of their effort. They visit hospitals in their respective NFL cities, and give of their own resources. When Jason's wife won an Xbox in a raffle at one of the casino night events, she gave it to Savion, a 13-year-old with the blood disorder to whom the brothers have grown especially close. Devin met another young man during a hospital visit while he was there getting a blood transfusion. He has since been to Patriots training camp practices and games. Their mother encountered a man with the illness who was afraid to have children, for fear that he would pass it down. Those are the stories that inspire them to press on — for more research, funding and healthy lives.

Jordy Nelson on Packers-Vikings and charity softball

NBC 26

Meanwhile, tickets have gone on sale for the Jordy Nelson Charlity Softball Game on June 12, 2016, to benefit Young Life, a Christian charity that helps at-risk young people. "It's somewhat become a tradition to have that softball game. It's an honor to have my name on it, to put Young Life in the spotlight...to bring notice, let people find out about it."

Patriots’ Amendola Helps Deliver 1,000 Turkeys to RI Community Food Bank

Go Local Prov

New England Patriots wide receiver Danny Amendola teamed up with Stop & Shop's Turkey Express to deliver 1,000 turkeys to the Rhode Island Community Food Bank in Providence on Tuesday. Overall, Stop & Shop will donate over 13,000 turkeys and 300,000 holiday meals to local food banks throughout New England this year as well as $12 million to help support families in need.

Oakland Raiders offensive line holds Turkey Time charity event

247 Sports

Oakland Raiders left tackle Donald Penn has only been in the Bay Area for just over a season and a half, but the veteran pass blocker is already starting to give back to Oakland in a big way. The former Pro Bowler in Tampa Bay who is reviving his career with the Raiders as a veteran helping to organize a charity event for Thanksgiving alongside the rest of his teammates on the Oakland offensive line. Penn and the Raiders offensive line held its first annual Turkey Time event this week, feeding over 250 families. An event that Penn described on his Instagram as something that is similar to the Thanksgiving events that he helped organize with Tampa Bay offensive line teammates Jeremy Trueblood and Davin Joseph.

'Turkey Time With The O-Line' returns for 9th season

WTSP

The Buccaneers offensive line hosted their 9th annual "Turkey Time With The O-Line" at One Buc Place on Tuesday. The linemen handed out complete Thanksgiving meals to needy Bay area families. In all, 750 families received holiday meals. The 9-year total is over 5,500 families. The founder of "Turkey Time", former Bucs' guard Davin Joseph, was there for the event. Joseph and Jeremy Trueblood organized the first "Turkey Time" in 2007.

Former Louisville tight end Gary Barnidge making a name for himself in the NFL

WDRB

He's also impressed off the field. Barnidge started a charity called American Football Without Borders. He took a trip with the group to Brazil in 2014 to bring American football to the country, while also delivering new shoes to Brazilian children.

Jared Allen fights hunger at perfect Super Bowl homegate party

Sporting News

Hosting a Bengals-Texans "homegating" party in Cornelius for soldiers from Fort Bragg, Allen shared the kitchen with Charlotte's Taste of the NFL chef, Blake Hartwick. From Southern cornbread to pimento cheese to Virginia ham sliders, Allen showcased his cooking chops, served appetizers and shared laughs. It was the best of worlds for him. While celebrating his longstanding support for the military, he partnered with sponsor Prilosec OTC to raise money and awareness for the Second Harvest Food Bank of Metrolina and other local food banks. This year, they will provide a million meals to families in need.

Dothan community teams up to feed homeless, elderly on Thanksgiving

WTVM

Former NFL player Curtis McGriff delivered 10 turkeys around the community Tuesday through his Joyce Ann Foundation, which is named after his sister who passed away. Wednesday he delivered 10 more. One of his stops was Smokin' Sammy's.

Bills Sammy Watkins Named Week 11 NFLPA Community MVP

NFLPA

Sammy Watkins routinely puts six points on the board for the Buffalo Bills. On November 15, he had a goal that would normally make fantasy owners smile – he was looking to put up 300. But this was his bye week, and Watkins had switched out his cleats for bowling shoes as the host of “Strikes for Kids” at the AMF Airport Lanes in nearby Cheektowaga. The series of charity events raises funds for scholarships for local youth while giving young fans a rare chance to meet their favorite players.

Detroit Lion Don Carey Named Week 10 NFLPA Community MVP

NFLPA

On November 10, Don Carey visited Dixon Educational Learning Academy and delivered new books to more than 200 students as part of the STEM Youth Literacy Program he co-founded. Carey did the same the week before. And the week before that. And the week before that. In fact, he spends nearly every off-Tuesday overseeing a STEM program at Detroit area schools, and he often invites teammates to join him and volunteer their time for the day. This week, linebacker Brandon Copeland and defensive back Isaiah Johnson were on hand for the activities.

Philadelphia Eagle Malcolm Jenkins Named Week 9 NFLPA Community MVP

NFLPA

In the past two weeks, Malcolm Jenkins held two upscale events in two different cities all to benefit youth in places near to him. And fittingly, two very special guests had the chance to tell attendees about the incredible impact his foundation has had on their lives. The Philadelphia Eagles safety spent the first five seasons with the Saints, and it was during that time that he established The Malcolm Jenkins Foundation. He also established a love of the Big Easy and seamlessly integrated the cuisine and culture into both charitable fundraisers.

Falcon Jacob Tamme Named Week 8 NFLPA Community MVP

NFLPA

As Military Appreciation Month approaches, Atlanta Falcon Jacob Tamme decided to celebrate early by treating active Atlanta-area military personnel, veterans and their families to a VIP movie experience on Monday, October 26. Attendees got a sneak peek at “My All American,” which is due out in theaters on November 13. The featured film is based on the true story of the determination and commitment of University of Texas football player Freddie Steinmark.

Dolphin Michael Thomas Named Week 7 NFLPA Community MVP

NFLPA

October 20, 2015 has a new meaning for Michael Thomas of the Miami Dolphins. The Mayor of Fort Pierce, Florida proclaimed the Tuesday to be Michael Thomas Day and presented the 26-year-old safety with an honorary Key to the City. The pomp and circumstance celebrated something Thomas is innately passionate about – mentorship. Though he has no previous ties to the Fort Pierce community, he drove for more than two hours to be a key figure in a new program that is focused on providing positive role models to local youth.

Ram William Hayes Named Week 6 NFLPA Community MVP

NFLPA

On October 14, Hayes kicked off his “Hanging with Hayes” program with the youth of the Covenant House Missouri (CHMO). The non-profit organization serves homeless and disconnected youth between the ages of 16 and 21 and seeks to empower them to design their own paths to independence. The Hanging with Hayes initiative treats a group of youth to a movie and concessions to reward them for their ongoing participation in CHMO’s programming. The monthly event also gives attendees the opportunity to catch up with Hayes and discuss the challenges and successes they are currently facing.

Colt Vontae Davis Named Week 5 NFLPA Community MVP

NFLPA

Notching two team victories in a five-day span would typically be enough work in one week for an NFL player. Not for Indianapolis Colts cornerback Vontae Davis. He added not one, not two, but three community events to his packed schedule this week. All benefit local disadvantaged youth, a cause near to his heart. “Most of my charitable efforts are focused around children because they need the most help growing up,” Davis said. “They need to see positive role models in the community that they can look up to. It is important that kids feel loved whether you are adopted, neglected, abused, forgotten – they are all equal.”

Seattle Seahawk Cliff Avril Named Week 4 NFLPA Community MVP

NFLPA

Offensive and defensive players from the Seattle Seahawks were running the same routes on Monday, September 28 as they took plates from kitchen to tables. Defensive end Cliff Avril rounded up more than 20 of his Seahawks teammates for his 2nd Annual Dining to Make a Difference event. Donning aprons with the Cliff Avril Family Foundation logo, Russell Wilson, Michael Bennett, Kam Chancellor, Jimmy Graham, Marshawn Lynch, Bruce Irving and others served meals and mingled with fans.

Chicago Bear Matt Forté Named Week 3 NFLPA Community MVP

NFLPA

Some professional athletes collect sneakers, but Matt Forté prefers to give them away. On Tuesday, September 22, Matt Forté surprised students who were participating in the Chicago area’s Kids Foot Locker Foundation Fitness Challenge. The six-week program challenges kids at 10 local Boys & Girls Clubs to lead active and healthy lifestyles, and Forté helped get them out the gate running.

Oakland Raider Justin Tuck Named Week 2 NFLPA Community MVP

NFLPA

Two-time Super Bowl Champion Justin Tuck scored big with the Oakland community this past Monday with his Tuck’s R.U.S.H for Literacy Kickoff event at Alliance Academy. Nearly 400 students joined Justin and Lauran Tuck to learn about the importance of literacy and its impact on academic success.  Students and teachers engaged in conversations with the Tucks, discussing the topic of “What literacy means to them.”

Packer Sam Barrington Named NFLPA Community MVP

NFLPA

Giving back to the community is nothing new for Sam Barrington. The linebacker, in only his third NFL season, was given the Packers’ 2015 Community Service Award at the annual Green Bay Area Chamber of Commerce "Welcome Back" luncheon earlier this month. It was only natural to the Jacksonville native that he headline a fundraiser for Wisconsin Literacy on September 8, even with the start of the season on the horizon.

If you have additional stories about players making a positive impact that you would like to see included, please email Jilane.Rodgers@nflpa.com.

Happy Thanksgiving from the NFL Players Association.

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