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Wide Receiver
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Youth and Education
Key's Kids with the Boys & Girls Club of Greater Dallas
The Keyshawn Johnson Education Fund, Young Mentors of America, Muscular Dystrophy Association, Make-A-Wish, United Cerebral Palsy, Young Vote Initiative of America, Boys & Girls Clubs, Brotherhood Crusade, Starlight Foundation
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Tuesdays in the Community |
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NFL Players Are Spreading Holiday Cheer
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Holiday community efforts have included coat drives, toy drives, food drives, and even shopping sprees. Players have dedicated their time to making sure these programs are a success by packaging food, collecting toys and coats, and escorting children in their holiday shopping.
Teams also participated in hospital visits, bringing holiday cheer to those who could not make it home for the holidays. Some players took the time to wrap and distribute presents, while some even dressed up as Santa Claus!
The NFL league office in New York City is also helping to bring some holiday spirit. The office hosted a holiday tree decorating event in which employees helped feed the hungry. For each employee who volunteered to decorate, the NFL donated $25 to St. Bart's Homeless Shelter. The tree decorating event also served as a kick-off to the NFL's annual toy drive benefiting the U.S. Marine Corp. Reserves Toys for Tots toy drive.
The NFL wishes you and your family a very happy and safe holiday. Don’t forget to spread some holiday cheer!
See the listing below to find out what NFL teams across the league did to give back this holiday season:
Atlanta Falcons
Prior to the game against the Saints on December 12, the Falcons partnered with U.S. Marine Corps, SunTrust Bank, O’Reilly Auto Parts, and Best Buy and hosted a “Toys for Tots” toy drive. Donators were greeted by team mascot Freddie Falcon as well as Atlanta Falcons and Georgia force cheerleaders. All donations will be given to Atlanta-area children during this holiday season.
Arizona Cardinals
On December 12, Cardinals punter Scott Player and several teammates escorted 25 homeless teens from Homeward Bound for the third annual “Shop-O-Rama.” Obafemi Ayanbadejo, Rolando Cantu, Jarrod Baxter, Bertrand Berry, Anquan Boldin, Shawn Lynch, Russell Davis, Eric Edwards, Larry Fitzgerald, Nathan Hodel, Orlando Huff, Nick Leckey, John Navarre, Neil Rackers, Reggie Swinton, Nick Novak, Zamir Cobb, and Robert Tate joined Scott at Target in Ahwatukee Foothills.
The Arizona Cardinal Football Club’s Teddy Bear Express made an appearance at Valley Children’s Hospital on December 13! Several players, wives, cheerleaders, and team mascot Big Red participated in this annual event. The participants spread holiday cheer by giving out Cardinals’ teddy bears to children in the pediatric units. Each bear was personalized, wearing a white or red uniform with the name and number of a player on the back.
Baltimore Ravens
Ravens players Derrick Mason and Samari Rolle hosted the inaugural Holiday Helpers event on December 8. In conjunction with their foundations, the players donated $10,000 and provided 100 children with $100 gift certificates to Target. Teammates were on hand and the entire Ravens’ cheerleading squad, to serve as personal shoppers for the youth.
Ravens Orlando Brown joined teammates and appeared at the Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Maryland’s annual “Biggest Little Holiday Party.” The event was hosted at M&T; Bank Stadium, in partnership with M&T; Bank, The Rouse Company Foundation, Comcast and the Baltimore Ravens. The players joined over 200 children for holiday-themed karaoke, arts and crafts, gingerbread cookie decorating and other great food, fun and games.
On Saturday, Decemer 17, Ravens TE Darnell Dinkins hosted a toy drive at the Toys ‘R’ Us in Towson. Dinkins was on hand to collect new, unwrapped toys, and the tight end also purchased $3,000 worth of toys to add to the collection. Toys will be donated to both Baltimore youth (Board of Child Care) and youth in Dinkins hometown of Pittsburgh (Breachmenders Ministries).
Buffalo Bills
The Buffalo Bills Tops Rookie Club gave thanks and gave back this holiday season. The rookies hosted a holiday party for 80 kids from the Salvation Army, Big Brother Big Sisters of Erie County, Gerard Place, Seneca Nation and Northwest Buffalo Community Center. The event was held in the Paul Maguire Club at Ralph Wilson Stadium. More than a dozen of the Bills players took part in the event that allowed them to give gifts to the children. The children and players also watched holiday movies and sang carols. After having dinner with the players, the kids got a visit from Santa Claus himself!
Carolina Panthers
Carolina Panthers player Jake Delhomme led a star-studded cast that included players, TopCats, Sir Purr and Santa Claus and brightened the lives of underprivileged children during the holiday season at Founder's Hall in Charlotte Monday. The Panthers and staff played games, made crafts, ate dinner and gave presents to the children at this annual party.
The Carolina Panthers had a busy day in the community on December 6, helping less fortunate children shop for the holidays and speaking at a local school.
Chicago Bears
The Bears presented a strong defense in the fight against diabetes. The team was proud to select the American Diabetes Association as the 2005 recipient of their Holiday Giving initiative. During the month of December, the Bears will be participating in several events including a holiday event at Halas Hall in Lake Forest. Twenty-four children from the American Diabetes Association were able to watch the team practice on December 7 at the Bears training facility. The Bears also hosted a seminar about daily decisions and sacrifices that are required of children living with diabetes. After the seminar the kids wore orange and blue Bears Santa hats and took pictures with the players and Coach Smith.
The 17th annual Chicago Bears/Dominick’s Coat Drive continues! Volunteers were stationed at entrances of the Bears-Panthers game and collected coats, mittens, and scarves from Bears fans. Thousands of coats are expected to be collected this year. Coats can be dropped off at all 99 Dominick’s stores throughout Chicagoland until January 17.
Cincinnati Bengals
In early December, Rudi Johnson, T.J. Houshmandzadeh, and Shaun Smith helped give the Gift of Sight. The players appeared at the LensCrafters store in Kenwood to help with the 13th annual Hometown Day, Give the Gift of Sight Foundation’s largest single day of service. The Give the Gift of Sight Foundation is a family of charitable vision care programs serving people around the world who cannot afford or access eye care.
On December 12, the Bengals and the U.S. Marine Corps Reserves were please to announce the results of their 2005 Toys for Tots collection. Held at the Browns-Bengals game the day before, fans contributed 6,018 new toys. Bengals fans also gave $29,631 in cash donations.
Cleveland Browns
Cleveland area youth had the opportunity to shop for the holidays with Browns players. Christmas came early for nearly 30 youth football players and cheerleaders from two of Cleveland’s Municipal Football League organizations. The Sims Raiders and Gunning Gators shopped with Kenard Lang and several of his teammates at Dick’s Sporting Goods. Each child received a $200 gift certificate to “Shop with a Pro,” courtesy of The Kenard Lang Foundation and Dick’s Sporting Goods. The smiles on the kids’ faces topped off the happy event. The Browns also volunteered for the annual U.S. Marine Corps Reserve Toys for Tots toy drive. More than 20 players signed autographs for fans who brought a donation.
Dallas Cowboys
The Cowboys hosted several events to kick off this holiday season. The team spread holiday cheer at area hospitals for the 17th year in a row. On December 12, players and cheerleaders visited children at the Texas Scottish Rite Hospital for Children in Dallas, Parkland Hospital Burn Unit, Cook Children’s Medical Center in Fort Worth, Children’s Medical Center Dallas and Medical City Children’s. The children received Cowboys gift items and autographs from the players and cheerleaders.
A week before, the 2005 Dallas Cowboys Rookie Club served as Santa’s helpers at the Salvation Army. Every year, the Cowboys rookies load a Salvation Army truck with hundreds of Salvation Army Angel Tree gifts purchased by Cowboys players, coaches, and staff for underprivileged children. On December 19, the Cowboys will distribute gifts to recipients of the Angel Tree program. Over 80 Dallas Cowboys employees, family, and friends have signed up to participate in the event.
Denver Broncos
‘Tis the season for the Denver Broncos! Each year the Broncos team up with the Denver Rescue Mission to host a holiday party for area families in need. The holiday party, which took place on December 6 and included 25 families, was located at INVESCO Field at Mile High and included a holiday meal, gifts, special activities, and visits from the Broncos players, cheerleaders, and Santa Miles.
Green Bay Packers
Children with cancer and Green Bay Packers players celebrated the holiday season at the fourth annual "Families of Children With Cancer Christmas Party" at St. Mark Lutheran Church in DePere, Wisconsin. Participants included Aaron Kampman, Corey Williams, Ahmad Carroll, Patrick Dendy, Cullen Jenkins, Craig Nall, Kevin Barry, Mark Tauscher, Kenny Peterson, Nick Collins and Vonta Leach. The Packers ate ice cream and pizza, played a variety of games, sang Christmas carols and read Christmas stories all while mingling with the families.
Houston Texans
The Texans have been working hard to make this holiday season special. Texans players and their wives spent an afternoon serving Pre-Thanksgiving meals to more than 200 homeless men, women, and children at the Loaves & Fishes Kitchen downtown. The players wanted to help those affected by the devastation caused by Hurricane Katrina and Hurricane Rita.
Detroit Lions
The Lions have participated in several events to celebrate the holidays. They held their 15th annual Detroit Lions Coat Drive on November 24. Fans who attended the Thanksgiving Day game were asked to donate clean, new or used warm coats or blankets to keep the needy warm this winter. Joey Harrington served as the chairman. Coats at this event will be distributed to The Salvation Army.
On December 4, the Lions hosted their 11th annual Toy Drive prior to the Lions-Vikings game at Ford Field. The honorary chairman was Dre’ Bly. The team joined forces with U.S. Marines Corps in Detroit to make these toys available for underserved children. In addition to theses events, the Lions have also volunteered in soup kitchens and made Thanksgiving Baskets in order to help the hungry.
Indianapolis Colts
Indianapolis area youth had an opportunity to shop with a Colt. During a day off from practice on December 6, four Colts players escorted nearly 40 specially selected students from two 21st Century Charter Schools. Raheem Brock and Larry Tripplett joined Cato June and Lineman Ryan Diem at Dick’s Sporting Goods to help the children purchase clothing, shoes, and toys for themselves and their families. Each child received a $200 gift card, compliments of the Indianapolis Colts and Dick’s Sporting Goods. The event kicked off with a pizza party.
Jacksonville Jaguars
Jaguars Marcus Stroud recently kicked off the Marcus Stroud Foundation's Thanksgiving Holiday Shopping Spree Giveaway. "Instead of passing out food, we're taking 15 families and we're going to take them shopping so they have the option of getting what they want and also have something to eat after Thanksgiving," Marcus commented. The families were chosen from two Jacksonville community agencies: The I.M. Sulzbacher Center for the Homeless and the Salvation Army Northeast Florida Area Command. The Marcus Stroud Foundation, established in 2005, is a non-profit organization dedicated to supporting children who face significant physical, mental, and financial challenges in a single parent home.
Kansas City Chiefs
Dante Hall joined together with representatives from Thrivent Financial for Lutherans, Aaron’s Sales and Lease Ownership and Kaw Valley Habitat for Humanity along with Mayor Joe Reardon for a special event. Dante’s X-Factor Foundation and his partners brought the holidays to an unsuspecting single mother and her family. Ms. Angelina Foreman accepted keys to the largest Kay Valley Habitat for Humanity home built to date. The X-Factor Foundation made sure that the house was ready for the family to move right in. The foundation aims to provide opportunities for single mothers and their children to reach their full potential.
Miami Dolphins
Every year, Dolphins players, cheerleaders and mascot visit area hospitals to bring holiday cheer to sick children and military veterans who are not able to be home for the holidays. This year, players Gus Frerotte, John Denney and Sammy Morris visited Miami Children’s Hospital to spend time with the young patients and distribute stuffed animals. The players also visited Jackson Memorial Hospital and the VA Hospital in Miami. Other holiday initiatives this year included Toys for Tots and “Lift Up America.” Dolphins players visited LensCrafters at the Sawgrass Mills Mall and gave away eyeglasses.
Minnesota Vikings
Vikings players partnered with the Salvation Army to help at-risk children at the Mall of America on December 13. Mike and
Diane Tice, along with numerous Vikings players, joined Salvation Army officials at the Nordstrom courtyard in the Mall of America and fulfilled wishes from the Nordstrom “Giving Tree.” The Tices, along with the players, took “wish slips” from the tree and went shopping in the Mall to purchase gifts for Salvation Army at-risk youth. After purchasing the gifts, the Vikings shoppers returned to Nordstrom and presented them to Salvation Army officials.
New England Patriots
On Tuesday, Dec. 13, nine members of the New England Patriots found themselves in a bind when they were wrapped up in holiday wrapping paper during the 13th annual Salvation Army and New England Patriots children's holiday party. Over 200 children from both Massachusetts and Rhode Island Salvation Army centers attended the party for a night of food, games and holiday caroling. Willie McGinest, David Givens, Kevin Faulk, André Davis, Ellis Hobbs, Daniel Graham, Russ Hochstein, Richard Seymour, and Ty Warren were on hand to sign autographs, pose for pictures and visit with the children. The highlight of the evening was the games portion, during which the children participated in "Wrap-A-Pat", racing to cover Patriots players in wrapping paper, ribbons and bows. At the end of the evening, each child went home with a holiday gift courtesy of the Patriots Charitable Foundation and memories to last a lifetime.
New Orleans Saints
The Saints teamed up with KB Home to reach out to evacuees, volunteers & support workers during their first game this season. As part of this very special outreach effort, Saints Owner Tom Benson and KB Home provided 4,000 tickets apiece -- 8,000 total -- to Hurricane Katrina evacuees, volunteers and support workers. Tickets were distributed through civic leaders in San Antonio and Austin, as well as through volunteer and relief organization in the region, including the American Red Cross.
New York Giants
The Giants partnered with Tyson Foods to “Lift Up America” early this month. About 35,000 lbs of chicken was donated to 35 local feeding organizations. Shaun O’Hara, Kendrick Clancy, Brent Alexander, Justin Tuck, Chad Morton, Curtis Deloatch, Shaun Williams, Tim Carter, Jamaar Taylor, Frank Walker, Wade Fletcher, Myniya Smith, Lewis Kelly, Jonas Seawright and alumni legend Harry Carson spent the afternoon filling vehicles with the 17 tons of chicken, which was then brought back to local feeding organizations throughout the tri-state area.
The Giants also held their annual Toys for Tots drive in conjunction with the U.S. Marines on December 17. This year also marked their 10th annual coat drive which took place earlier this month, collecting 3,000 for those in need.
On December 18, the team threw a holiday party for 750 New Jersey foster children. Beginning at 2pm, the Giants practice bubble was transformed into a winter wonderland as guests enjoyed the first ever “Jingle Jam” with Giants players.
New York Jets
The Jets partnered with the New York Mercantile Exchange Charitable Foundation and National Communications Groups on December 6 to throw a holiday party. About 80 students from the Generation Jets Academy enjoyed the party, hosted by Planet Hollywood Times Square. Player Justin McCareins, who serves as an ambassor to Generation Jets Academy and makes appearances at schools, celebrated with the children. The students were selected based on exceptional attendance.
The Jets also held their annual Toy for Tots drive on December 11 in conjunction with the U.S. Marine Reserve Corps. Donations were collected at the gates upon entering the stadium.
Oakland Raiders
Fans had an opportunity to meet Raiders players on December 17 for the 2005 Toys for Tots program! The drive took place at The Raider Image at Hilltop Mall in Richmond, California. Raiders Lincoln Kennedy, Danny Clark, Derrick Burgess, and Raiderettes Erica and Michelle were on hand to meet and greet fans and help collect toys for the U.S. Marine Corps Reserve's Toys for Tots program. The players signed autographs in exchange for a new, unwrapped toy valued at $10 or more. U.S. Marines were on hand to collect the toys, which will benefit local children this holiday season.
Philadelphia Eagles
Eagles quarterback Donovan McNabb made his annual holiday visit donning his Santa Claus suit at the Free Library of Philadelphia. McNabb read to kids there and distributed books to children who came to the library for that day's LEAP, an after school enrichment program. The Donovan McNabb Foundation also donated thousands of dollars of books to the Whitman branch of the Free Library of Philadelphia. Donovan McNabb dresses up as Santa Claus each year before Christmas to deliver toys and entertain kids.
Pittsburgh Steelers
In the spirit of the holiday season, the Steelers will hold the annual collection for the Children’s Hospital Free Care Fund during pre-game of the Lions game on New Year’s Day, January 1. Uniformed City of Pittsburgh School Crossing Guards and Phi Theta Phi Fraternity Alumni will be stationed inside all stadium gates from 11 a.m. until kickoff. The Free Care Fund supports the hospital’s century-old pledge that no child from the tri-state area be denied care because of an inability to pay.
San Diego Chargers
The Chargers have joined forces with the U.S. Marine Corps for their annual Toys for Tots drive. Fans brought unwrapped gifts to Qualcomm Stadium for the Charger-Dolphins game on December 11. Last season, over 6,000 toys and $12,000 was donated to the Toys for Tots program by fans.
The Chargers and Police Officer’s Associations from around San Diego County brighten the holiday season each year for children at Children’s Hospital, many of whom may not get to go home for the holidays, through the Annual Teddy Bear Drive to Children’s Hospital. Chargers David Binn along side several of his Chargers teammates rode alongside San Diego County law enforcement to Children’s Hospital with over 6,000 teddy bears this December. A large caravan of police vehicles left the San Diego Sheriffs Department rolling Code 3 sirens and lights wailing before arriving at Children’s Hospital. The 15th Annual Teddy Bear Drive took place on December 14.
San Francisco 49ers
The 49ers delivered toys for the holidays. Players and their wives delivered bears and other stuffed animals to pediatric patients at Lucile Packard Children’s Hospital on Monday December 12. Earlier in the week, the group visited a Build-A-Bear Workshop; adding a personal touch to the event. The 49ers Furry Friends was established in 2002 and has contributed thousands of dollars to created Furry Friends for Bay area youth.
Seattle Seahawks
Holiday time for the Seahawks means Captains' Blitz, with players and Sea Gals visiting Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center patients at the University of Washington Medical Center and Children's Hospital. On December 13, the Seahawks greeted for patients of all ages with gifts.
Visiting Fred Hutchinson at the University of Washington were Josh Brown and Alain Kashama, and Children's Hospital welcomed Matt Hasselbeck, Seneca Wallace, Lofa Tatupu, David Greene, and Jeb Huckeba. Meanwhile, Marcus Trufant visited Mary Bridge Children's Hospital in Tacoma, bringing along an assortment of gifts and Seahawks memorabilia for the youngsters.
St. Louis Rams
Rams player Torry Holt made a holiday contribution to cancer support. On December 14, Torry attended the Bear Essentials holiday party at the Missouri Baptist Medical Center auditorium. The Holt Foundation, which was founded in memory of his mother, who passed away from cancer, supports the "Bear Essentials" program. Bear Essentials is a program formed 15 years ago at Missouri Baptist Medical Center that meets monthly to provide support to children with a parent, relative, friend or other loved one who has been diagnosed with cancer. More than 1,000 children have been served by this program since it was established in 1990.
The Rams have teamed up with eBay, the internet auction site, as part of an on-going auction in which the net proceeds benefit youth through the St. Louis Rams Foundation. Auction items include Rams’ autographed memorabilia and fantasy experiences.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers continued a popular annual tradition when members of the Rookie Club, along with some veteran players, visited patients at All Children’s Hospital and residents at North Shore Retirement Home. This marked the third consecutive year that Buccaneer players have spread holiday cheer with this particular pair of visits. Rookies who made the trip included Anthony Bryant, Antoine Cash, Claudius Osei, Barrett Ruud, Paris Warren and Carnell Williams. They were joined by such Buc veterans as Mike Alstott, Dave Moore and Ryan Nece. The day began at All Children’s Hospital where the players visited with the kids and gave each of them an autographed Buccaneer pennant. The sight of the big Bucs in their Santa hats roaming the halls lit up many young faces and gave the place a festive atmosphere for the morning. Each of the kids received a picture of themselves with the players and a wonderful memory to carry them through the holiday season.
Tennessee Titans
After one day of practice, the Tennessee Titans invited 30 foster children from the Tennessee Department of Children’s Services (DCS) to Baptist Sports Park to share with them the Christmas spirit. The kids obtained autographs and pictures from their favorite players, coaches, T-Rac, and members of the Titans cheerleading squad, as well as a gift bag full of Titans gear and gift certificates to area malls.
Each Tuesday during the fall, Titans players and staff visited patients at St. Thomas Hospital and Baptist Hospital to spread goodwill and cheer.
Washington Redskins
A group of Redskins players and the Redskins Cheerleaders spent time on Dec. 6 visiting with young patients at Children's National Medical Center in Washington, D.C., spreading a little holiday cheer this season. Among the players who attended included Lemar Marshall, Marcus Washington, Carlos Rogers, Jason Campbell, Mike Sellers, John Hall, Derrick Frost, Rock Cartwright and Joe Salave'a. The players signed autographs and handed out Beanies Babies donated by Ty International and Redskins team posters to the patients. This year, Redskins players and patients worked together on a holiday craft project to display in the hospital.
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