Athletes often rise to fame due to their prowess on the field, but many leverage their platform to make a significant impact off it. This list highlights a collection of foundations established by NFL players, each dedicated to tackling various social issues and giving back to communities in need.
From promoting education and literacy to addressing health disparities and supporting underserved youth, these athletes showcase the power of philanthropy in creating meaningful change.
Patrick Peterson’s Foundation for Success
Patrick Peterson, NFL cornerback, established the Patrick Peterson Foundation for Success to provide opportunities for low-income and inner-city youth. The foundation focuses on improving literacy through initiatives like “Patrick’s Corner,” which creates reading spaces in schools, and hosts events like “Celebs and Steaks” to raise funds for their mission.
Dak Prescott’s Faith Fight Finish Foundation
Dallas Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott established the Faith Fight Finish Foundation to empower individuals and communities facing adversity. The foundation focuses on colon cancer research, mental health, suicide prevention, and bridging gaps between law enforcement and communities. Prescott’s initiative honors his late mother and brother while providing support to those in need.
Charles Johnson’s Charles Johnson Foundation
Former Carolina Panthers defensive end Charles Johnson established his foundation to provide opportunities for underserved youth in his hometown of Hawkinsville, Georgia. The foundation offers scholarships and partners with local organizations to support community revitalization efforts, focusing on education and single African American mothers.
Pierre Garçon’s Helping Hands Foundation
Pierre Garçon, former NFL wide receiver, established the Helping Hands Foundation to support his family’s homeland of Haiti. The foundation provides education, health, and community programs, focusing on children’s needs. Garçon has delivered computer labs to Haiti and playgrounds to Florida, making a significant impact both domestically and internationally.
Torrey Smith’s LEVEL82 Fund
Two-time Super Bowl champion Torrey Smith and his wife Chanel co-founded LEVEL82 Fund to empower Baltimore families. The organization renovated the Hilton Recreation Center, offers summer camps, after-school programs, and awards $20,000 in scholarships annually. Smith’s commitment to education and community development continues to make a lasting impact in his adopted hometown.
Devin McCourty’s Tackle Sickle Cell Initiative
Devin McCourty, former New England Patriots safety, co-founded the Tackle Sickle Cell campaign with his twin brother Jason. Since 2013, they’ve raised nearly $3 million to support families battling sickle cell disease. The initiative focuses on education, blood donations, and fundraising, inspired by their Aunt Winnie’s struggle with the condition.
Brandon Marshall’s Project 375
Former NFL wide receiver Brandon Marshall co-founded Project 375 with his wife Michi to eradicate mental health stigma. The foundation, named after the lime green Pantone color for mental health awareness, provides mental health first aid training and resources. Marshall’s openness about his own borderline personality disorder diagnosis has helped raise awareness and support for mental health initiatives.
Demario Davis’ Devoted Dreamers Foundation
New Orleans Saints linebacker Demario Davis and his wife Tamela founded the Devoted Dreamers Foundation in 2013. The organization equips youth with tools for success through programs like the Devoted Dreamers Academy, a summer initiative focusing on financial literacy, reading comprehension, and character development. Davis’s foundation has impacted over 1,000 youth since its inception.
Calais Campbell’s CRC Foundation
Calais Campbell, defensive end for the Miami Dolphins, established the CRC Foundation to honor his late father. The foundation provides Thanksgiving meals, Christmas shopping sprees, and after-school programs for youth in Phoenix. Campbell’s “Cheer for a Cause” initiative also donates to fan-selected charities based on his on-field performance.
Von Miller’s Von’s Vision Foundation
Von Miller, NFL star and former Denver Broncos linebacker, established Von’s Vision Foundation in 2012. The organization provides low-income children with free eye exams and high-fashion prescription glasses. Miller’s foundation has made a significant impact, helping thousands of children improve their vision and academic performance.
Ndamukong Suh’s Suh Family Foundation
Ndamukong Suh, former NFL defensive tackle, established the Suh Family Foundation to support youth development and education. He donated $2.6 million to his alma mater, the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, creating a scholarship for aspiring engineers. Suh also provides backpacks and school supplies to inner-city youth in Detroit, demonstrating his commitment to community service.
Chris Long’s Waterboys Initiative
Chris Long, former NFL defensive end, founded Waterboys in 2015 to tackle the global water crisis. The initiative unites NFL players and fans to fund clean water wells in East Africa. To date, Waterboys has provided clean water to over 500,000 people, with a goal of reaching one million. Long’s foundation also supports educational equity and military veterans.
Richard Sherman’s Blanket Coverage Foundation
Richard Sherman’s Blanket Coverage Foundation, established in 2013, supports underprivileged students with school supplies and essential items. The foundation has helped over 70,000 students and raised more than $1.5 million. Sherman also donates to homeless shelters and adopts families during holidays, demonstrating his commitment to his Compton roots.
Cam Newton’s Every 1 Plays Foundation
Cam Newton’s foundation focuses on enhancing youth lives through three pillars: Every 1 Learns, Every 1 Plays, and Every 1 Gives. Since 2012, it has provided $5.13 million in grants and resources, impacting over 12,500 student-athletes. Newton’s annual 7-on-7 tournament engages thousands of high school players, promoting grassroots football development.
Travis Kelce’s 87 & Running Foundation
Travis Kelce’s 87 & Running Foundation empowers underserved youth in Kansas City and his hometown of Cleveland Heights. The foundation focuses on education, business, athletics, STEM, and arts. In 2024, Kelce won Nationwide’s Charity Challenge for the second time, securing $35,000 for his foundation’s initiatives.
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Drew Brees’ Brees Dream Foundation
Drew Brees, former NFL quarterback, co-founded the Brees Dream Foundation with his wife Brittany in 2003. The foundation has contributed over $50 million to improve cancer patients’ lives and support children and families in need. In 2020, they donated $5 million to create community health centers in Louisiana, addressing healthcare accessibility in underserved areas.
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Larry Fitzgerald’s First Down Fund
Larry Fitzgerald’s First Down Fund, established in 2005, supports youth education and promotes reading proficiency in K-12 students. The foundation also raises awareness for breast cancer prevention and supports survivors. Fitzgerald’s philanthropic efforts have made a significant impact in his hometown of Minneapolis and beyond, with millions donated to various causes.
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Russell Wilson’s Why Not You Foundation
Russell Wilson, NFL quarterback, founded the Why Not You Foundation in 2014. The organization fights poverty through education, empowering youth with a “why not you” attitude. In 2021, Wilson and his wife Ciara opened the first Why Not You Academy, a tuition-free charter high school near Seattle, serving underserved students.
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J.J. Watt’s Hurricane Harvey Relief Efforts
J.J. Watt, former Houston Texans defensive end, raised an astounding $41.6 million for Hurricane Harvey relief in 2017. His efforts helped rebuild over 1,183 homes, restore 971 childcare centers, and distribute 239 million meals to those affected. Watt’s fundraiser became the largest crowd-sourced fundraiser in history, showcasing his commitment to his adopted hometown of Houston.
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