It was only a matter of time before Jets outside linebacker Brandon Copeland received some sort of official recognition for his work in the community.
On Thursday, Copeland was honored with the 2020 Alan Page Award by the NFL Player’s Association. The award is the NFLPA’s highest honor and is granted to one player every season. Copeland will receive a $100,000 donation either to his foundation or charity of his choice.
Since joining the Jets in 2018, Copeland has worked extensively with underprivileged youths throughout the five boroughs. This year, he took 300 children on a Christmas shopping spree to Target with each child getting a $200 gift card to spend.
Copeland has not only attempted to impact New York’s underprivileged youths, but those around the country as well. As the holidays approached, he recruited players across the NFL to orchestrate similar shopping sprees in their respective cities.
“The power you have is monumental. Please continue to do the right thing and highlight the good with your pen, and know that as players, we’re working our tails off to make an impact while we have the platform,” Copeland told reporters after accepting the award.
Copeland might not be back with the Jets in 2020. His contract with the team is up and it remains to be seen if general manager Joe Douglas has any interest in retaining him.
Either way, Copeland’s impact on the underprivileged youths of the Big Apple will not soon be forgotten. He might not be the biggest star on the field, but he sure is one in the community he has called home for the last two years.