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The NFL has an abundance of talented players who are making an impact in their local communities and on the national scene. From charity work to product endorsements, to social media, these influential gridiron playmakers have gained recognition as modern-day icons.
The role of these impactful athletes and their effect on society is often inspirational. Through their foundations, NFL players are raising much-needed funds and raising awareness for their favorite charities. And, with special appearances at schools, hospitals and community events, these role models are influencing both young and old alike.
Here are some of the most influential NFL stars making a difference right now.
Von Miller
A six-time Pro Bowl selection and MVP of Super Bowl 50, Miller has been an inspiration to numerous college pass rushers with visions of NFL stardom. However, it is his actions off the field that have made the 2011 NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year one of the league’s best role models.
Miller, through his foundation, Von’s Vision, has raised more than three million dollars since 2012 to help provide free eye exams and glasses to more than 6,000 kids from low-income families in Denver. In 2017, the Broncos presented him with the 2017 Community Impact Award for his charitable work.
Rob Gronkowski
Gronkowski is the only tight end in NFL history to ever lead the league in touchdown catches, and ranks third on the all-time list. The All-Pro tight end is also very active in the community, and his Gronk Nation Youth Foundation is geared toward inspiring kids to reach their full potential.
Gronk pleaded with children and teens in a video in early 2018 to stop eating Tide Pods after the dangerous Internet challenge sent countless youth to hospital emergency rooms. He also visits and distributes checks annually to several children’s hospitals in New England.
Drew Brees
The veteran New Orleans Saints quarterback was instrumental in keeping the players united during the 2011 Collective Bargaining Agreement Negotiations. Brees was also among the nine big-name players who took the league to court in an antitrust lawsuit. His union leadership role made him one of the most respected players in the NFL.
Brees is not only a record-breaking gunslinger on the field, his foundation has raised and contributed more than $25 million to charitable causes worldwide. The Brees Foundation not only assists cancer patients, but also helps provide opportunities to needy children and families.
J.J. Watt
The three-time NFL Defensive Player of the Year attracted national headlines for his fundraising efforts in 2017 after Hurricane Harvey devastated the Houston area. His foundation raised more than $41 million, which was distributed to numerous organizations to help rebuild the city.
Watt, who is the only player in NFL history to register a pair of 20-plus sack seasons, was given an honorary degree from Baylor College of Medicine for his humanitarian efforts. He was also given the Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year Award and was named one of TIME Magazine’ 100 most influential people.
Tom Brady
A five-time Super Bowl champion who has won four Super Bowl MVP trophies and has been named to 13 Pro Bowl teams, Brady has an unorthodox diet and workout regimen that makes him one-of-a-kind.
The future Hall of Famer abstains from alcohol, sugar, caffeine and dairy products. He also shies away from traditional weight training, and utilizes bands to build and stretch his muscles. While there have been a handful of quarterbacks to enjoy mild success in their 40s, no one in NFL history has put up the kind of numbers that Brady did as a 40-year-old Goat in 2017.
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