
The Power of Sports in Charity

Last week LSU’s Joe Burrow’s Heisman speech brought in over $236,000 to a local food pantry. If you haven’t heard his speech I suggest that you look it up. Not everyone can afford to donate money, but we can give the most valuable thing we have which is our time to help others. It’s heart warming to see a speech like that from someone who is really just starting out and sees the bigger picture. He selflessly used his moment to shed light on others that are in need and ask for support. Just one speech is responsible for $236,000 which will allow so many hungry people to have food on their table for many months to come. Words and actions are powerful, we need more people like Joe Burrow inspiring others to do good.
Each year, the NFL selects one player from each NFL team for the Walter Payton: Man Of The Year Award. If you look at the list of those awarded and what they have done, it’s pretty amazing. Why the media or NFL don’t celebrate these achievements I don’t understand. These are people who use their celebrity status to bring focus and help to a cause that resonates with them. One award receipant stand out for me is Anquan Boldin. Boldin was recognized for the work he has done through his foundation he started in 2004 that offers several programs including educational support for under privileged children and community support.
During his acceptance speech, Boldin said:
“When I first got into the NFL nobody could tell me anything. I was living life.” “I had achieved my dream of one day making it into the NFL, but soon realized that’s not what life is all about. I realized my purpose in life was not to make it to the NFL and score touchdowns. God put me on this earth for something much bigger that that and I realized and understand what my purpose is now. It’s my prayer and my hope that I can live out the rest of my life honoring God and help as many people as possible. I think Boldin summed it up perfectly. People like Boldin are the real heroes of the NFL. The good they do is inspiring and should be celebrated.