Hey YB, it’s been a longtime (I know I always say that) but I wanted to fill you in on what I’ve been doing the past few months during my off-season. Right after Pro-Bowl, I headed to Vancouver, Canada for the winter Olympics and spent time with the U.S. curling team. I was their honorary chair and it was a great experience to take on a new sport; but you know football is where my heart is.  Just for the record, curling’s not as easy as it looks! And, I get a chance to test my skills once again in July at a curling event in San Jose. All you curlers look out!!

Then I was off to Miami to visit my little brother Vontae who plays for the Dolphins.  He finished his first season in the NFL this year and of course we had to celebrate - Miami style! While I was there, I also kicked it with two of the baddest girls in tennis, my good friends Venus and Serena.

Next I headed back to the West Coast for a special off-season practice with my 49ers teammates, but not before stopping off in DC to check in with family and friends and of course to get a hug from Grandma Davis. I was glad to be home to take that time out to complete a painting of Serena that she asked me to do. Glad that’s off my plate and that she liked it! (Some of you may know already, but my other passion is painting).

While in the Bay area, it was good to catch up with my old teammates for a pre-season practice and to meet the rookies. I can’t wait for the new season to begin!

Another high point was launching the Vernon Davis Visual Arts Scholarship Fund at the de Young Museum in San Francisco. I kicked it off with a $5K donation and a fundraiser/after party at Morton’s Steakhouse. These events took place to help launch a new program called Art Impact with the San Francisco Arts Commission. I really appreciated all the folks who turned out. In all we raised close to $10K for the scholarship. Special shout out to my teammate Delanie Walker who came out in support.

I’ve got some other cool upcoming events this summer… I’m planning a trip to Italy. It’s all about seeing Michelangelo’s Sistine Chapel in Rome. I’m not sure what to expect, but I know it’s gonna be hot! I’ll keep you guys posted.