For New England Patriots defensive lineman Lawrence Guy, training camp is a time for honing his skills but also giving back to the community.
This week the veteran invited 150 students from Crossroads MA, a year-round program aimed at helping children in need reach their full potential, to attend Patriots training camp. Each student received a backpack filled with school supplies and other goodies as part of the Lawrence Guy Family Foundation's 12th annual backpack giveaway, as well offering hair cuts and nail trimming ahead of the new school year.
"We get to play this game and it's fun out there, but what really matters is the kids, the community," Guy told reporters.
Guy's desire to help out youth in need comes in part from his personal experience. The 33-year-old lineman grew up with a learning disability that went undiagnosed throughout his childhood.
"Growing up with Dyslexia, I didn't know I had it until I was 21," Guy said. "So it's one of those things where I understand how important education is, and we want to make sure that they have those tools to succeed. And that's why I tell everybody my backstory and what I struggled with through school."
Guy has been involved in charitable work throughout his NFL career, even earning the Patriots' nomination for Walter Payton Man of the Year in 2022. His latest charitable endeavor seems to be another successful one, judging by comments from his invitees.
"It's really cool because we don't really get big opportunities like this," Crossroads camper Sharlande Joseph said. "But for us to be here, we're coming up. We're coming up."
On the field, Guy has been a steady presence in New England since he arrived in 2017. He started 14 games last season, recording 46 total tackles and two sacks.
As Guy enters his 12th NFL season, he will surely have a set of new young fans watching him very closely.
More Patriots coverage from Sports Illustrated here.
More must-reads: