This Week in NFL Do-Goodery: Dre Kirkpatrick, Kenny Stills, Aaron Rodgers and more
With the sweet, familiar routine of the regular season setting in, numerous NFL players have reconnected with their foundations and creating smiles in the community. This week’s roundup includes an array of uplifting acts of kindness by players, and a special appearance by a high ranking NFL executive who is taking the path of empathy. We know there are many many many more generous shows of altruism. If you feel we missed someone or would like to make us aware of a future do-gooder, please send a tweet to @TFG_NFL.
– Bengals CB Dre Kirkpatrick hosted a tailgate party at a local Cincinnati nursing home in advance of the Ravens-Bengals tile. Kirkpatrick brought joy to the residents but not as much as 95-year-old Irma brought to Kirkpatrick and the rest of the internet.
Dre Kirkpatrick hosted a tailgate party at a nursing home before tonight’s game. This lady stole the show 😂 (via @BrandonSaho) pic.twitter.com/AqRzrjGIM8
— Athlete Swag (@AthleteSwag) September 13, 2018
– Dolphins WR Kenny Stills spent his off day engaging with veterans. Stills was awarded (Miami non-profit) SAVE’s Luminary Icon Award for his immense work in social justice.
– Packers QB Aaron Rodgers was given say over the team’s $50,000 to a social justice cause. Rodgers directed the money to Legal Aid of Wisconsin which provides free or heavily discounted legal services to low income clients.
– The 49ers spent their “Community Tuesday” handing out meals and interacting with the hungry at Martha’s Kitchen in San Jose. DE Solomon Thomas was caught on camera entertaining this eon site while utilizing his sign language skills.
Check out the @49ers IG story. It was #CommunityTuesday, with the team serving meals at @KitchenMarthas. Check out @sollythomas90 showing off some sign language skills! pic.twitter.com/FQazPgWFhv
— Niners Nation (@NinersNation) September 13, 2018
– Players Coalition members including Saints TE Benjamin Watson, LB Demario Davis and DE Cam Jordan were joined by NFL commissioner Roger Goodell for a Listen and Learn tour of New Orleans’ layered criminal justice system. The group spent a full day attending bail hearing and meeting with public defenders.
– Chargers RB Melvin Gordon as awarded the NFLPA’s Community Service MVP Award this week after participating in the Los Angeles Meal Pack on 9/11 which involved packing and distributing 250,000 meals for food-insecure children, elderly and veterans.
– Patriots LB Dont’a Hightower hosted a Monday Night Football watch party on, well, Monday, an annual fundraiser to benefit American Diabetes Association. Hightower’s mother is living with Type 2 diabetes and the event allows fans to mingle with Hightower and a slew of Patriots all while raising money toward a cure and shining a light on diabetes awareness.
– Lions WR Golden Tate and his foundation announced a charity bowling event on September 23rd. Fans in attendance with get to bowl with Tate and other members of the Lions with all proceeds benefitting Afghanistan Veterans of America and Pets for Vets.
– Former Giants WR Victor Cruz, along with the organization, donated $20,000 in football equipment to two schools in Paterson, NJ, Cruz’s hometown.
