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Green Bay Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers is pledging a half-million dollars to help small businesses struggling through the on-going pandemic.
Rodgers told Barstool Sports founder Dave Portnoy on Instagram Live on Friday that he’s matching Portnoy’s initial $500,000 donation that started The Barstool Fund, a charitable organization supporting businesses during the COVID-19 pandemic.
“I just want to get involved,” Rodgers said. “I’m in. I want to be in at the same amount you put in. You started at $500,000, that’s what I’m in for. It’s an honor to be a part of it.”
The Barstool Fund has now raised over $22 million and helped 102 different businesses as of Sunday morning.
Rodgers believes the charity is helping businesses by “doing something that the government isn’t doing.” The fund is providing “life-changing money” for businesses as soon as two or three days.
Rodgers also called on teammates and others to help the businesses he described as the “backbone of this country.”
“It’s a call to action for everyone out there to continue to donate and do what they can,” Rodgers said.
Rodgers said he was inspired by the videos of The Barstool Fund helping save small businesses.
“I’m just in awe of what you guys have done, and I couldn’t sit on the sidelines anymore,” Rodgers said. “This is really making an impact. We’re talking about our people, these are our people. This is the backbone of this country taking it on the chin right now, I want to get involved, I have to get involved.”
Small businesses can apply for assistance from The Barstool Fund here.