Helping those that help others! What our players do off the field to help.
By author
I want to take a page out of my own book and bring to life the good work that is done by our Miami Dolphins organization, current and former players and coaches by helping those that help others. For those that know me or my show, Behind the Facemask (www.behindthefacemask.com), know how much I care about charities and foundations along with the work these players do in their spare time to help out not only the Miami community, but the hometowns and surrounding areas where they grew up. Players take time out of their busy schedule to help kids, disaster victims, low income families and various other charities through out the United States of America. All I’m asking for, is you to take a little time to find out what charity or foundation that your favorite player maybe taking part in, donate a couple dollars or volunteer to help in any way you can. Yes I know times are hard, money is short and finding time to help may seem impossible, but any contribution can be a big help. I have taking the privilege to list out just some of the foundations of current and former players. If you look on your favorite players bio(www.miamidolphins.com), you will find which charities they contribute to along with all the community work they take part in.
Chad Pennington www.1stand10foundation.com
Ricky Williams www.rickywilliamsfoundation.com
Daryl Gardener www.gardenerskids.com
Dan Marino www.danmarinofoundation.org
Nick Buoniconti www.miamiprodject.miami.edu
Don McNeal www.sportsworld.com
Players are put on a pedestal for their play on the field, although most fans think of them as just that, football players. We all seem to forget they are human beings. We really need to remember they are normal people just the same as you and I, simply possess a very special talent that we all wish we had. There is one other thing that we all have in common with them, the ability to give back. Players all give back whether it be by donateing time or money, visiting sick children in the hospitals, giving blood, football camps or charity golf outings, these are all simple ideas that we all can achieve. People that help others in need whether at a time of crissis or raising money for a cure, these are the true heros that should be placed upon a pedistal.
Don’t forget about the Miami Dolphins foundation with it’s many events to help out the community. This can also be found on the web site along with auctions, raffles and other events that you can help out with. There is also the NFL sponsored charities that you can find on www.nfl.com, even Phin Phanatic has thrown its hands into the charity hat, more detail to come. Again I have only listed a couple foundations that you can take some time to volunteer for or donate a couple dollars to give a ray of hope to some one that may not be as privileged as you or I.
Remember, we are coming upon the holiday season, and as I stated before, I know times are tough, however we can all be blessed by helping those that help others by giving back. There are other ways to help by giving blood, plasma, placing some change into the kettle even by becoming a organ donor. Research a variety of charitable foundations and find the one that means something that is meaningful to you. You could even donate your hair for cancer victims.
There are other ways that players and coaches help the youth of America by having football camps across the country where players and coaches take time to teach the youth about the game we all love and hold near and dear to our hearts. They also visit hospitals to spent time with kids and the elderly. This in itself is one of the greatest momentoes a player can do(as far as I’m concerned). They give hope and encouragement to keep moving forward, even when times are dark and uncertain. Then you have speakers that travel the country going to schools giving words of advise and praise to kids all over.