With the holiday season around the corner, athletes are making plays off the field by stepping up to make a difference through generous donations and acts of kindness.
From donating substantial sums to charitable causes to giving their time and resources to those in need, these sports stars are proving that the spirit of giving goes far beyond the game. Athletes across the National Football League, National Basketball Association and Major League Baseball gave various charitable initiatives to spread joy and support those in need.
According to CBS Sports, “Just in 2018, we’ve seen the magnificent impact of sports’ biggest names using their platforms for good like Houston Texans star J.J. Watt, for instance, announcing more than $41 million in total raised donations for Hurricane Harvey relief.”
In 2020, former New Orleans Pelicans guard and current Boston Celtics guard Jrue Holiday and his wife used Holiday’s remaining salary for the season to help communities across the nation. His paycheck supported Black-owned businesses across 10 U.S. cities, Historically Black Colleges and Universities and nonprofit organizations and programs in both of their hometowns.
According to an ESPN article, Holiday said, “God has blessed us with so much. We know a couple of things that are important are time and money, and right now, we have both. To be able to give away our money to help further this movement and Black-owned businesses that have taken a hit in COVID-19, to us, it felt like the perfect time and opportunity.”
Los Angeles Lakers power forward LeBron James is also well known for his unrivaled commitment to supporting his community.
James has donated millions to charities and foundations in his home state of Ohio and across the country. In 2018, he opened I Promise School in Akron, which aims to provide an enriching academic experience for at-risk students through new models of learning.
Like James, Denver Nuggets point guard Russell Westbrook’s impact extends far beyond the basketball court.
In 2012, Westbrook founded the ‘Why Not?’ Foundation which provides support and encouragement to children facing adversity. Through this foundation, Westbrook has demonstrated a deep commitment to his community.
Not only is he a recipient of the NBA Cares Bob Lanier Community Assist Award, which honors his dedication to making a positive difference. His initiatives include training at-risk young adults for future careers, offering cash assistance to families affected by the COVID-19 pandemic and more.
Golden State Warriors point guard Stephen Curry surprised homeless youth with new shoes and a catered meal, while his Warriors teammate, Klay Thompson, provided school supplies and gifts for over 600 students.
Celtics stars, including Kyrie Irving, sang carols and visited children at Boston Children’s Hospital, and Harrison Barnes of the Mavericks took families shopping for Christmas presents. Meanwhile, Timberwolves power forward Karl-Anthony Towns surprised children at Mayo Clinic with gifts and a private movie screening.
In the NFL, Vikings wide receiver Adam Thielen hosted a Christmas dinner for families, supported by The Salvation Army, which was completed with gifts and a facility tour.
Cardinals defensive end Chandler Jones pledged $20,000 per sack to Phoenix Children’s Hospital, and Eagles wide receiver Golden Tate sponsored the Toys for Kids Foundation and a charity challenge.
Dolphins players treated 150 children to toys, activities and a puppy party. Vikings tight end Kyle Rudolph organized a “North Pole” trip for hospital patients and continued supporting his therapy center at the University of Minnesota, Kyle Rudolph’s End Zone, while Saints running back Mark Ingram took children of incarcerated parents on a shopping spree.
MLB players joined in the season of giving with the Texas Rangers delivering toys to low-income families and visiting hospitalized children.
According to an article by CBS Sports, Astros pitcher Justin Verlander hosted a Christmas event for veterans and their families as part of his year-round commitment to supporting the military.
Additionally, players like the Arizona Diamondbacks Steven Souza Jr., Tampa Bay Rays Blake Snell, New York Mets Michael Conforto and MLB stars participated in the Base By Pros’ Holiday FanFest for kids; all proceeds from the event went towards ending human trafficking in the Philippines.
Through these efforts, professional athletes brought holiday cheer and meaningful support to their communities. Some critics, though, believe that athletes act charitably for tax benefits or even to enhance their public platforms.
However, Jen Shang, a philanthropic psychologist at Plymouth University, explained to BBC that the motivation of athletes may not be superficial. “Looking at philanthropy in sports, and other professions, one may start out in one’s career being motivated by external factors such as money or honors. But after a period of time it is unlikely that people are motivated so much by external rewards, and more by internal drives.”
Athletes’ commitments to giving back to their own communities demonstrates their acts of generosity that go beyond the competition. While their accomplishments on the field and court are celebrated, national athletes remind fans around the world of the true holiday spirit by giving back to local communities.