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My dad, Archie, was an NFL quarterback who always gave back to the community, sending autographed pictures to charities, hosting an annual golf event for cystic fibrosis and helping dozens of organizations, from the Boy Scouts to the American Cancer Society.
He never said that my brothers, Cooper and Peyton, and I had to do anything, but that if we did, we should do it for the right reasons. Because if you’re not excited about what you’re doing, it’s not going to do much good.
I enjoy working with kids. I’m helping to raise $2.5 million for a state-of-the-art clinic at the Blair E. Batson Children’s Hospital in
When I’m in
To be honest, the first time I visited the hospital, I was a little nervous. I didn’t know the rules or what to say. But soon I relaxed and realized that most of the patients are normal kids who have had normal lives, and all of a sudden they’re sick and can’t do everything they want to do. Sometimes, I know who I am, sometimes they don’t. But I just sit and talk with tem and learn about the newest thing that’s cool in their age group or what TV shows and video games they like.
It’s amazing to know the effect you have on people by simply signing your name on a piece of paper, or getting a picture taken with a young fan and seeing them smile and have their spirits lifted. Afterward, the nurses tell me “This kid’s been excited all day. He didn’t want to leave the room because he was waiting for you.”
These kids look up to me and watch my football games, and it feels great to give back to them and let them know that they’re in my thoughts, too.
You can get that same great feeling on Make a Difference Day by helping people in your path. Join a food drive, take your family to clean a park, ask your club or office to team up to paint a homeless shelter. Whatever you do, like my dad said, “Do it for the right reasons,” and you’ll do good.
Do you know someone who has made a difference in your community? Log onto Responsible Sports and have them be recognized.