This Week in NFL Do-Goodery: Carson Wentz, Jordan Howard, Peyton Manning and more
The NFL landscape is gearing up for the loooong-awaited regular season kickoff. But that hasn’t slowed down the sense of giving and community that is so commonplace with players, both active and retired. Here is this week’s roundup of the positive impacts on the lives of the less fortunate. As always, drop us a comment at @TFG_NFL if we missed anyone this week or you have nominations in subsequent weeks. Not every act of kindness gets the media attention it deserves. We’re here to change that.
Jaguars QB Blake Bortles provided free meals to first responders working around the clock in the aftermath of the tragic mass shooting at a Madden Event in Jacksonville. He also wrote them a letter of appreciation.
Jaguars QB Blake Bortles and his foundation are providing meals for first responders working at Jacksonville Landing. Bortles wrote a note to first responders in JAX. He paid for meals for everyone on scene at Jacksonville Landing. pic.twitter.com/qwIwfLj87d
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) August 27, 2018
Bears RB Jordan Howard donated backpacks stuffed with school supplies, a $5 bill and gift certificates to Champs to local Chicago kids. Howard, also wanting to teach these kids to power of money management, gave each a $1 which if they still have on December 11th can be exchanged for $25.
Retired QB Peyton Manning donated $1 million to his alma mater, the University of Tennessee, to establish the John Haas Student Experiential Learning Endowment. Haas, a professor of communications, was a notable mentor for Manning. This endowment will fund trips to Washington D.C. and other locations to guide students into making suitable career decisions.
Eagles QB Carson Wentz unveiled his Kingdom Crumb food truck this week with one catch…all the food is free. Founded as “a source of love, dignity,” the truck exists to spread the gospel of Jesus. It is the latest venture under the umbrella of Wentz’s AO1 foundation, which serves to inspire and impact underprivileged youth. Earlier this summer Wentz raised $850,000 to build a shelter a sports complex for children in Haiti. Note: Wentz’s food truck will next be at Lincoln Financial Field on Thursday from 2:30-3:300 ahead of the Eagles home opener.
The Oakland Raiders donated $250,000 to help offset steep budget cuts to Oakland Unified School District athletic programs.
DE JJ Watt‘s resulted for donations in the aftermath of Hurricane Harvey resulted in an astronomical and inspiring $41.6 million, the largest crowdsourcing fundraiser in history. This week Watt detailed how that money has been spent. Most has been distributed among eight organizations: All Hands and Hearts, Americares, Boys & Girls Clubs, Baker Ripley, Feeding America, Habitat for Humanity, Save the Children, and SBP, according to the statement released by the foundation and the Houston Texans. Additionally Watt’s foundation has used the money to rebuild 600 damaged homes, rebuild 420 day care centers, distribution of over 26 million meals to those affected and much more.
Patriots owner Robert Kraft surprised lifelong Patriots fan Alyssa Silva with a new state of the art handicapped van. Silva suffers from spinal muscular atrophy, a childhood disease with a typically short lifespan. Now 27, Silva has been a fixture at Patriots events over the years. WR also Matthew Slater attended the surprise ceremony, representing the numerous players and Patriots staff member that have befriended Silva.
Last night, RKK and the @patriots orchestrated the biggest, most unimaginable surprise my family and I have ever received- a new + MUCH safer handicapped accessible van. Today and forever, I am humbled. I am unworthy. But, I am the most grateful. Thank you Mr. Kraft. ❤💙 pic.twitter.com/gqoO1MbvPu
— Alyssa Silva (@alyssaksilva) August 17, 2018
