If you are like me, there is excitement that it is not only back to school time, but it's the start of football season!

I have been a football fan ever since I was a little girl and always looked forward to the times of sitting on the cold bleachers sipping hot chocolate and cheering for my favorite team.

But it's not just the game that inspires me, but also how many football players give back to their communities with foundations and community work of their own. Some even give nationwide! In celebration of football season and giving back, I want to highlight some amazing philanthropist athletes.

Patrick Mahomes

Ok, I will be honest. I am starting with Patrick Mahomes because the Chiefs are my favorite team, but he has put a lot of commitment into supporting the Kansas City community with his charity, 15 and the Mahomies Foundation. Patrick’s Foundation is dedicated to improving the lives of children, specifically supporting initiatives that focus on health, wellness and overall community need. The 15 and the Mahomies Foundation’s signature program is called 15 for 15, which supports 15 charitable organizations focused on academics, science, the arts, classroom supplies, athletics, children with disabilities, and after-school programs.

Justin Watt

The Justin J. Watt Foundation has the simple mission of Dream Big, Work Hard.  This foundation financially supports middle schools that have insufficient funding for after-school athletic programs, or that have no after-school athletics whatsoever. In addition, JJ’s Foundation provided significant support to the victims of Hurricane Harvey by cleaning up and repairing homes, rebuilding of child care centers, providing physical and mental health services, and distributing meals.  

Russell and Ciara Wilson 

Russell Wilson and his wife, Ciara’s Why Not You Foundation is dedicated to fighting poverty though education, empowering youth to lead with a "why not you" attitude. The foundation supports student access to equal education opportunities, children’s health, and food security initiatives. Its mission is to equip today’s youth with the skills and opportunities to become tomorrow’s leaders. In July 2021, the Foundation launched Immuno Heroes, a new campaign raising funds for Seattle’s Children’s Therapeutics, a leading immunotherapy program. This fund will help support research and provide groundbreaking treatments for children with cancer.

So, as you settle in to watch your favorite football starts battle it out on the field, keep in mind how they are supporting their communities. It is just as important. Their dedication and passion towards the sport certainly translates to how they conduct themselves as people who give back. The Businessolver Foundation commends these athletes and appreciates the work they do to make the world a better place.

For more information and Foundation Happenings, check out our other blogs here.