Athletes Doing Good

Bianca Smith, is a true trailblazer on and off the diamond, making history as the first Black woman to ever coach in professional baseball. Growing up Bianca was surrounded by women that were one of the first in a lot of things they’d done. Inspired by their success, she needed to figure out a way to reach her goal of coaching in baseball. Bianca shares with us her journey to the Red Sox’s organization and the lessons she has learned along the way.  After working with college and professional athletes she found they didn’t care about her gender, they just wanted to know that she could help them excel in their career. Bianca’s passion for the game of baseball and seeing her athletes succeed is another example of an athlete doing good.

The name Lombardi is one of the most recognizable names in sports history, a name that has left a legacy in the NFL and the importance of giving back. This weekend, the Lombardi name will be heard in the Super Bowl pregame show as the NFL pays tribute to the legendary Coach Lombardi. John Lombardi, Coach Vince Lombardi’s grandson, gives us stories from his childhood growing up with Coach Lombardi as his grandfather, his time working with Coach Belichick, and his experiences carrying on his grandfather’s legacy. John’s passion for the game of football and giving back to the cancer community is another example of an athlete doing good.

Former NFL defensive end Devon Still was familiar with adversity during and after his football career. His biggest adversity came after his retirement in June 2014. His daughter, Leah, was diagnosed with Neuroblastoma stage 4 cancer. As Devon sat with her during treatment, he noticed a lot of kids were in the hospital, alone, while their mom or dad were at work, fighting to keep food on the table for their family. Inspired to financially help families whose children are battling cancer so no child has to battle alone, he started the Still Strong Foundation. Devon’s passion to make an impact in the lives of these families make him another example of an athlete doing good.

“Make a difference today for someone who Is fighting for their tomorrow,” is the motto of Pro Football Hall of Famer and former Buffalo Bills Quarterback Jim Kelly. Jim lost his son at just eight years old to a genetic disease and is now using his platform to raise money for Hunter’s Hope. Despite the heartbreaking loss of his son in 2005, and his battle with cancer, he continues to feel blessed. Jim’s enthusiasm, optimism, and passion to be a difference maker is another example of an athlete doing good. 

Amobi Okugo was raised to understand the importance of education, hard work and dedication. He is more than a professional soccer player, he is a podcast host, entrepreneur, foundation owner and ammeter food and movie critic. Amobi shares with us why he values his education, his reason behind starting the Ok U Go Foundation and his favorite binge worthy shows and movies. Amobi is another Athletes Doing Good.

Dr. Jen Welter has a longtime love of sports, she loves the game of football and has since she was little. Jen shares with us her journey of firsts, being the first female running back on a men’s pro football team and being the first female coach in the NFL. Jen is leading by example, showing women that they can achieve greatness in any aspect of life, Jen is another athlete doing good. 

With five children under the age of six, it’s never a dull moment for Major League Baseball player Eric Sogard and his wife Kaycee. Yet, amid the beautiful chaos, the Sogard's are using their platform to breakdown the misconceptions of adoption. From viral videos to authentic conversations, they believe that by sharing honest experiences with others, we can help each other through hard times. Eric and Kaycee are another example of Athletes Doing Good.

Twin brothers, Aaron Jones, running back for the Green Bay Packers and Alvin Jones, former linebacker for the Baltimore Ravens and current free agent, are using their platforms to give back to their communities. In October, the Jones brothers launched the A&A All The Way Foundation to inspire, educate and promote unity to youth across the country. Aaron and Alvin share with us today what it is like being twins, growing up in a military family, and their passion for giving back. Aaron and Alvin are just another example of Athletes Doing Good.

Newly signed New York Rangers, Colin Blackwell is using his experiences on and off the ice to be an advocate for mental health. In 2012, Colin suffered two concussions that sidelined him for over two and a half years. Colin shares with us how he worked his way up to the NHL and overcame the invisible injury that so many athletes suffer from. He hopes that by keeping mental health and concussion issues at the forefront of conversations, athletes will take the proper time to heal after an injury. Colin is another example of an athlete doing good.