Patriots players contribute off the field

Football players from the New England Patriots and around the NFL are associated with multiple charity organizations and attend charity events. Offensive Lineman Matt Light and his Light Foundation have been hosting various events over the last few years. This year in June, the Light Foundation will bring together Native American youth and youngsters from Rhode Island for a two-week outdoor experience with a five-day football camp. The event will support the local Northern Cheyenne Boys & Girls Club. Light recently spent a week on the Northern Cheyenne Reservation hunting buffalo. The meat from that harvest will help feed hundreds of local children from the Boys & Girls Club Light is also planning a July golfing event in Ireland. As part of the Southwest Ireland Charity Golf Tour, Light, a few other NFL players and fans will be touring Ballybunion Old Course, the Waterville Course, The Dooks Links, Tralee, and Ring of Kerry. All proceeds will go to the Light Foundation. "The Light Foundation strives to empower young people to reach their highest potential by initiating and supporting hands on programs and events that promote the development of secular moral values and personal financial acumen so as to instill a sense of self-reliance, sufficiency and independence. We endeavor to accomplish this mission by combining traditional outdoor activities and experiences with athletic endeavors addressing the physical and mental aspects of humanity that make us all unique." Other Patriots are also helping with charities clos to their heart, as Linebacker Tedy Bruschi met recently met at Gillette Stadium with other stroke survivors from around New England. The event is part of the American Stroke Association large-scale stroke awareness campaign. Pictures and film from the event will be used as a part of their campaign. Although we are still waiting to hear if Junior Seau is interested to return to the NFL, he recently held his 16th annual golfing tournament for his Junior Seau Foundation. Seau was interviewed by Fox Sports about coming back to the NFL and he said he hasn't really thought about it yet as he is still recovering from shoulder surgery. Rodney Harrison was one of many NFL players in attendance and also interviewed. A former teammate with Seau in San Deigo, Harrison commented on Seau's commitment to attain high goals on and off the field. It is great knowing the players are contributing to make the world a better place. GO PATS!