There’s more to sport than scoring touchdowns, hitting home runs and breaking world records. Over the years, many athletes have contributed massively not only to the growth of their sports, but also to society. They’ve served as role models to hundreds of thousands of people, millions even, who wish to emulate their success, many in less fortunate circumstances.
One source of those role models is the NFL and has produced countless inspirational athletes. Below is a look at some of the biggest role models to have come out of the NFL and their contributions to society and good causes.
Peyton Manning
Peyton Manning, one of the greatest quarterbacks to have ever stepped onto the gridiron, spent most of his professional career with the Indianapolis Colts before serving the Denver Broncos for the last four seasons and retiring in March 2016. As well as being a major force on the football field, he carried the hopes of Colts fans and has an untarnished public image.
Manning has contributed more than just good football and has served as a topic for football fans discussing the Monday Night Football odds, however. He’s the founder and president of the Peyback Foundation, which supports leadership and growth opportunities to disadvantaged children and has contributed consistently to Colorado, Indiana, Tennessee, Louisiana, and other states. The foundation has provided more than $15 million in grants and programs since it was created.
Shaquem Griffin
Talk about gritty! Miami Dolphins linebacker Shaquem Griffin was unlike other NFL linebackers, and even other players. Whereas other players had all their limbs, Griffin played with just one hand, a prosthetic hand replacing the one he’d had amputated when he was just four years old.
Today, Griffin is a motivational speaker. He’s also a co-founder of the Rebirth the Hood (RTH) Opportunities Foundation, with his mother, Latania, and twin brother, Shaquill. The foundation has performed a range of philanthropic acts, from feeding families after hurricanes to supporting young athletes on the way to the Olympics. Initiatives include toy drives, which bring toys, books and gifts to children in need, and Back-to-School drives, which provide kids with backpacks and other equipment for school. The foundation has also poured $100,000 directly into the St. Petersburg community.
Patrick Mahomes
Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes, one of Time magazine’s most influential people of 2020, inspires others with his ability to lead, raise the game of the players around him, perform under pressure, and more. Off the field, he continues his good example by giving back to society, especially to children, through the 15 and Mahomies Foundation, which the quarterback established in 2019.
The foundation supports initiatives focused on health, wellness, communities that need resources and other charitable causes. One example of its work is the donation of 15,000 meals to food banks in Tyler, Texas. Others are the 15 for 15 program, which supports youth charitable initiatives that focus on science, the arts, classroom supplies, athletics, children with disabilities, afterschool programs and more, and the Read for 15 program, which aims to develop a love of reading in children.
Tom Brady
Tom Brady, considered by many as the greatest player of all time, is an inspiration to many, including British Formula 1 racing driver Lewis Hamilton. The UK’s racing ace feels compelled to continue racing in his forties after seeing what the former Patriots and Buccaneers quarterback has achieved in his own. In his playing days, Brady was famously devoted to his career and keeping not just his body strong, but also his mind.
But Brady’s wasn’t confining all his effort and energy to the football field. In fact, he commits massive amounts of both and money to good causes. Brady attends events at the Best Buddy International non-profit organization, which works to prevent people with physical or intellectual disabilities from exclusion, and has raised more than 46 million for the charity.
The TB12 Foundation is the GOAT’s own foundation and provides healthcare and economic resources to young athletes, especially from low-income families who have no access to resources, trying to reach their performance goals. The foundation also hosts an annual marathon in Boston to raise money for healthcare around the world.
In addition to the above, Brady takes part in the work of the Make-A-Wish Foundation and visits sick children. He’s also an activist for poverty reduction in Africa.
The NFL has produced some highly influential athletes that others follow because of how they conduct themselves and how they give back to their communities and/or to wider society. Other praiseworthy individuals include ex-Chicago Bear Charles “Peanut” Tillman, whose Charles Tillman Cornerstone Foundation has helped more than 1 million children and also provides financial support for families experiencing instability and difficulties; and former New Orleans Saints quarterback Drew Brees, whose Brees’ Dream Foundation worked together with Operation Kids to help restore New Orleans communities after Hurricane Katrina.