Plenty of NFL players get recognized for the things they do on the field, but what about what they do off the field. These are listed in no specific order because giving is giving and doing it from the kindness of the heart is the main thing. However, it is great to see top players in the NFL doing great things to help others. Here are 10 NFL players that are not only tops on the field but strive to be tops off the field as well.
- Aaron Donald, Los Angeles Rams- AD99 Foundation Donald is a scary football player on the football field, but off the field, he is a guy that cares about making an impact. With his AD99 foundation, he is aiming to do that, providing resources to kids that need them in a free, safe environment.
- Patrick Mahomes II, Kansas City Chiefs – The 15 and Mahomes Foundation Patrick Mahomes II has been torching defenses ever since he stepped on the field. Not only is he doing that still, but he is stoking the fire of young people with his foundation. The foundation, established in 2019, is dedicated to supporting initiatives that focus on the health and wellness of kids along with communities in need of resources.
- Derrick Henry, Tennessee Titans – The Two All Foundation Henry is a bruising running back on the field, running through and around defenders while racking up yards. Off the field, he isn’t trying to run away from others but close the gap between people with his organization. The Two All Foundation of Henry’s is dedicated to providing the necessary things to equip young people, whether it be through support or instilling core values in them.
- DeAndre Hopkins, Arizona Cardinals – The S.M.O.O.T.H. Foundation Hopkins doesn’t drop many passes on the football field. In this foundation, he didn’t drop the ball either. This organization empowers women who were affected by domestic violence in their lives by providing counseling, legal help and other things to assist.
- Russell Wilson, Seattle Seahawks- Why Not You Foundation Russell Wilson has always been dependable ever since he took over as the starting quarterback in his rookie season in Seattle. With that being said, he has now become dependable for his Why Not You Foundation, which is dedicated to fighting poverty through education and empowering youth to lead, while thinking about why not me.
- Khalil Mack, Chicago Bears- The Foundation Khalil Mack has been one of the most feared players in the NFL over his career. In this endeavor though, Mack is trying to sack the underprivileged from not getting the same as others in the world by providing resources and meaningful experiences to those that may not have many opportunities.
- Lavonte David, Tampa Bay Buccaneers- Lavonte Legends Foundation As a star linebacker for the Tampa Bay Bucs, David is all over the place with his skills, speed and smarts on the field. With his foundation, he is using his resources to help out college-bound students that are struggling financially, further giving them a better chance to achieve their goals.
- Cameron Jordan, New Orleans Saints- God Iz Love Foundation Cameron Jordan is a longtime New Orleans Saint and has worked in the community for years. And through his God Iz Love Foundation, he has done a few things for the New Orleans area, most notably making a $25,000 donation to purchase 70 laptops and other essential electronics for youth.
- Mike Evans, Tampa Bay Buccaneers- Mike Evans Family Foundation Evans has been in Tampa Bay his entire career and has been a consistent contributor to the team. Along with doing that, he also wanted to be a constant contributor to the world, so he and his wife created a foundation to not only help youth and encourage education, but take a stand against domestic violence.
- Cameron Heyward, Pittsburgh Steelers- The Heyward house/The Cameron Heyward Foundation Cameron Heyward has been a longtime NFL player, as was his father, Craig “Ironhead” Heyward, who tragically passed when he was a teenager and left his mother to raise four sons including him. He started this foundation in 2015 with the purpose of being in the corner for kids in the similar situations he was in along with helping out in any way that he could for any families.
Mike Patton is a freelance sports writer based in Nashville, TN. He has covered sports for 10 years for various organizations and publications. He also is the host/producer of the Touring The AFC South podcast.
