Athletes Doing Good

The passion behind the work of Carly Pennacchia, Community Relations Manager for the Philadelphia Eagles, doesn't necessarily come from the players, it comes from the fans. Being able to support causes that are important to the fans, and players, is at the heart of the team. Today, Carly gives us a glimpse of the impact she sees between players, fans, and Philadelphia community. Although Carly is not an athlete, she earns an honorary status of an Athlete Doing Good.

Recognizing that we can do more together, Milwaukee Bucks Foundation, Executive Director, Arvind Gopalratnam, strives to make a positive impact on people through his everyday work. Arvind gives us a glimpse of his career in sports and philanthropy, and how he works with the Milwaukee Bucks players to give back communities in Wisconsin. He believes that the Foundation is an extension of the team’s passion for not only creating great basketball players, but incredible human beings as well.  From youth health and wellness, to youth education programs, to community betterment initiatives, the Milwaukee Bucks Organization, Foundation and players are dedicated to impacting lives in Wisconsin. Although Arvind is not an athlete, he earns an honorary status of an Athlete Doing Good.  

Oklahoma City Thunder center, Mike Muscala, is using his time in the NBA bubble to raise money for charity. For every three pointer the Thunder makes, Mike will donate $100 to Peace Players, non-profit that unites, educates and inspires young people to create a more peaceful world through the sport. Mike gives us a glimpse of his career as a professional basketball player, but more importantly, how he gives back during the season. He is grateful for all the work the NBA, NBPA and everyone in Disney has done for the players during their time in the bubble, he wanted to find a way to give back too. Mike is another Athlete Doing Good.

Even after almost two decades in the sports broadcasting industry, Erin Andrews is still expanding her brand. The FOX reporter recently launched a clothing line - WEAR by Erin Andrews. In part two of our conversation, Erin tells us why she was nervous about taking that leap but trusted her gut on the need for more sportswear for female fans. She’s also working on showing the public more of her personality. Could a reality show be in her and her husband’s future? Erin’s authenticity and candor is so refreshing. And she’s a great reminder that the famous people you see on your TVs are just normal men and women - who also rely on closed caption to understand their favorite shows.

Erin Andrews is a broadcasting superstar. When she burst on the national scene nearly two decades ago, her popularity skyrocketed and she became one of the most recognizable sportscasters in the world. Today, you see her conducting sit-down interviews with some of the NFL’s biggest names and patrolling the league’s sidelines for FOX broadcasts. As if that didn’t keep her busy enough, she just wrapped up a six year stretch as co-host of ABC’s Dancing with the Stars. It all seems pretty glamorous but as Erin tells us - the spotlight can be a tough place to live. She talks about what she’s learned about herself over the years, why she’s opening up more now and how her experiences - like her cancer diagnosis & her father’s health scare have influenced the causes she supports. Erin is thoughtful and real and - funny - did you know she is funny? And while she’s not an athlete, she has definitely earned honorary Athlete Doing Good status.

Ed Berry is the agent for some of the most successful players in the NFL, including Green Bay Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers and New York Giants Saquon Barkley. He doesn’t just focus on securing endorsements; he’s committed to listening to players and building relationships that benefit them. Today he talks about how he reminds them that their ultimate goal is to have an impact on others. With their generous hearts and platforms, they can encourage others to join them in changing lives for generations. He is thankful to play a role in Athletes Doing Good.

We’re all familiar with the term Mr. Irrelevant, a title bestowed each year on the last pick of the annual NFL draft. While former NFL linebacker David Vobora may have been Mr. Irrelevant in 2008, today, he is everything but irrelevant. David gives us a glimpse on his career in the NFL, but more importantly, his life after football as the founder of the Adaptive Training Foundation. He believes that life is about how you play the hand you are dealt and is committed to helping those with physical disabilities see their full potential. Inspiring, passionate, and engaging – David is not just a dealer of hope, he’s another Athlete Doing Good.

Finishing first is not out of the ordinary for NASCAR’S youngest champion in history, Sam Mayer. This season, the 17-year-old is setting another first.  For the first time in the sports’ history, nonprofit organizations will be showcased in custom, one-time only paint schemes on his No. 21 Chevrolet car this season. He is committed to using his platform to raise awareness for nonprofit organizations founded by professional NFL and NBA athletes and to being a role model for kids across the country – another Athlete Doing Good.

Since high school, Milwaukee Brewers starting pitcher Brent Suter has had a passion for making our environment a better place to live. Brent is committed to using his Harvard University education and major league platform to make a difference. Today, he shares with us how he rallied his teammates to support his Strike Out Waste Campaign and what we can all do to help. His enthusiasm, commitment, and voice impersonations will not only give you a glimpse of the player behind the jersey, but showcase another Athlete Doing Good.