Although the Los Angeles Rams are focused on meeting high expectations on the field, they have also made sure to ramp up their efforts off the field during an unprecedented year.
Prior to the 2020 NFL season, protests were held across the nation in response to the social injustices that included deaths of Breonna Taylor, George Floyd and Jacob Blake, among others. The circumstances were only magnified by the effects of the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.
Several Rams players have taken action to step up and help out the community during these trying times. While the team is approaching an integral part of the season, they have only kicked up their philanthropic deeds up a notch.
Left tackle Andrew Whitworth, punter Johnny Hekker, along with defensive tackles Michael Brockers and Sebastian Joseph-Day were in charge of overseeing the process that helped them donate $750,000 to local non-profits aimed at ending social injustice. Brockers spoke about why doing that was so important to him and his teammates, via the team’s official website:
“As a leader on this team, it was important to me to be part of these conversations,” said Brockers. “My teammates and I are very aware of the social injustices that continue to occur, and we made a decision to become actively involved in helping to be part of the change that is desperately needed. It was awesome to hear from so many different leaders and non-profits that are putting the work in to make real change and I’m honored to support them.”
Whitworth added that it was one of the most gratifying experiences of his illustrious career:
“In my 15 years in the NFL, this has definitely been one of the most inspiring things that I have had the opportunity to be part of,” said Whitworth. “It was an amazing process that allowed us to learn about a variety of non-profits working across Los Angeles to positively impact lives and advance social justice. The chance to hear directly from them on how we could help left us both humbled and motivated. On behalf of my teammates, we thank them for their daily passion and commitment to drive equity and are proud to support their important work.”
The players invited 25 social justice non-profits to determine if they can be of assistance. The players then made a donation ranging anywhere from $20,000 to $50,000.
Whitworth is certainly no stranger to getting involved in the surrounding community. After all, he recently helped raise $163,500 as the co-host of the 3rd Annual “LA Rams Night for Wishes” charity event.
Meanwhile, cornerback Jalen Ramsey donated $20,000 in Vons gift cards in South L.A. and Inglewood over Thanksgiving weekend.
