Note: this is a guest post written by Carly Ledbetter, who is with the Heather Trew Foundation. With football season around the corner, I thought it’d be a nice break from the usual. DJ
It’s easy to say that they met by chance, but as this story unfolds, it seems that higher powers intervened. The Trews weren’t supposed to be at the Super Bowl, if not for their burgeoning friendship with former NFL standout, Bart Starr.
“We didn’t actually have plans to go to Indianapolis, but we were invited to attend with Bart Starr, who was going to the Super Bowl to award his annual Bart Starr Award.” says Judy Trew, founder of the Heather Trew Foundation. “My husband Dwight and I knew the award was going to London Fletcher, who we’d heard of only as an outstanding linebacker for the Washington Redskins.” They knew of London’s imposing size, but not much about the size of his heart.
By way of a quick introduction between London and Judy, the two became quick friends and started talking about their foundation work. London runs London’s Bridge, a foundation based out of Ohio that works to address the inequalities faced by disadvantaged children. Judy and Dwight Trew started the Heather Trew Foundation in memory of their daughter, and it works to encourage organ, tissue, and eye donation. While London and his brigade were firmly established, the Heather Trew Foundation was in need of resources to help spread the word.
“London asked me about my vision for the foundation, and how I wanted to accomplish my goals,” says Judy. “I told him that I wanted to make a PSA to increase awareness about just how many people need donations, and that was it.” Without any hesitation, London offered his services and asked how he could help. Judy Trew was stunned that an NFL player would not only have the time, but also the willingness to help out someone he’d only just met.
“He’s a role model, and it breaks my heart to see displaced negative publicity on the league as a whole. It is so important to recognize those who work hard and give selflessly to others.”
In light of London Fletcher and his amazing work with both London Bridges and the Heather Trew Foundation, here is a list of the Top NFL Players Who Care.
Ndamukong Suh
Named the America’s most charitable athlete, Suh has created and worked with so many different charitable organizations (Camp SUH, 90 Backpack Program, SUHs Scholars Program, visits to multiples programs in Detroit) it’s easy to forget that he has his own foundation. In Ndamukong’s words, the Suh Foundation is dedicated “to the values of education, health and wellness, and global outreach.” In addition to foundation work, Suh has also donated $2.6 million dollars to his alma mater, the University of Nebraska, to help out his old weight room and create an endowed scholarship for the UNL College of Engineering. As of May 2013, Suh also donated $25,000 dollars to his former high school. If anyone cares, Suh is at the top of the list!
Peyton Manning
Well respected as one of the nicest, hardest working guys in the game, Manning is also known as one of the most charitable players. When he’s not working with his Peyback Foundation, the Manning Passing Academy, or visiting the Peyton Manning’s Children Hospital, Peyton’s probably off committing just another random act of kindness.
Tom Brady
Even if you don’t root for the Patriots, you can still be a part of “Team Tom Brady.” Brady hosts the six-day event that benefits the nonprofit Best Buddies, which “encourages one-to-one friendships, employment, and leadership development for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities.” Brady is also known for his outstanding work with the Entertainment Industry Foundation, the Boys & Girls Club of America, and KaBOOM! Much like the Heather Trew Foundation, he is also a strong advocate of organ donation.
Drew Brees
This 2010 Sportsman of the year is not only outstanding on the field, but called “Breesus” by his devoted fan base. Brees put in extra hours with his own Brees Dreams Foundation, which partnered with Operation Kids in 2007. If you can’t find him on the field, chances are he might be building houses in New Orleans with another charity he sponsors, Rebuilding thru Brotherhood.
Steve Smith
This Panther has received a lot of coverage for his charitable work, and all of it is well deserved. By partnering with Samaritan’s Feet, a Charlotte based charity, Smith has helped bring attention to a cause affects 300 million people, and to date has helped over 4 million people. At a game in Tampa Bay, Smith took off his shoes during halftime in order to raise awareness for Samaritan’s Feet and help raise money for 500,000 pairs of shoes. For a man who once experienced homelessness, Smith has become a symbol of hope to many.
London Fletcher
Though highlighted for his efforts with The Heather Trew Foundation, London Fletcher and his charity, London’s Bridge, has earned this linebacker the Washington Redskin’s Man of the Year award a record FOUR times. In 2011, London won the Washington Redskin’s Inaugural Community Service Award for his efforts to “address the inequities facing underprivileged and underrepresented children.” London specifically targets communities in Ohio, North Carolina, DC, and New York with his work, but his efforts impact more than just these specific states- they impact and influence a nation. #59 will be playing his 16th season this year, but his charity efforts will live on for a lifetime.