Glenn Erby of The Eagles Wire sits down with Hall of Fame defensive back Brian Dawkins for The Eagles Wire to discuss his Salute to Service, Mental Health, Cooper DeJean, Vic Fango, and the Philadelphia Eagles.
Brian Dawkins is an all-time great athlete and a Hall of Famer, but he’s progressed into an even greater man. He’s focused on service, using his platform to bolster the mental health of others and pouring into others with his faith, resilience, and empathy.
The Hall of Famer participated in a ruck march in San Antonio, Texas, in partnership with USAA, the Wounded Warrior Project (WWP),and Face The Fight to help amplify the cause of mental health awareness and, more specifically, support the mission of the battle of veteran suicide prevention. During his HOF induction speech in 2018, Dawkins notably talked about his mental health struggles while in the NFL, sharing his thoughts of suicide and how he ultimately overcame them.
We sat down with the legendary Eagles on behalf of USAA to discuss his relationship with USAA and the importance of supporting veterans, particularly in mental wellness. Dawkins emphasizes the need for community and support systems for individuals dealing with trauma, drawing parallels between veterans’ experiences and personal struggles.
Dawkins shares insights from his participation in a Ruck march, highlighting his respect for veterans and the inspiration he draws from their resilience. He also touches on the Eagles’ current season, reflecting on their growth and challenges, and concludes with a message of hope and gratitude amidst negativity.
#Chiefs linemen Chris Jones and Mike Pennel surprised two fans with tickets to Kansas City’s ‘Crucial Catch’ game against the #Saints.
As part of the Kansas City Chiefs’ community initiatives, defensive linemen Chris Jones and Mike Pennel helped the team raise cancer awareness in partnership with the K.U. Cancer Center.
Pennel, who is a survivor of childhood cancer, joined Jones to deliver a huge surprise to a local area fan who recently underwent a battle with breast cancer.
The two linemen gave breast cancer survivor Jill Shahan and oncologist Jamie Wagner of the K.U. Cancer Center tickets to see the Chiefs play against the New Orleans Saints at Arrowhead Stadium in Week 5.
Shanahan and Wagner also threw the ceremonial first pass before Kansas City’s ‘Crucial Catch’ game last week.
Check out this video of their experience, which was shared by the Chiefs’ official Twitter account:
Expect the team to feature more stories like this in the future as it continues to raise awareness about cancer screening through the NFL’s ‘Crucial Catch’ initiatives.
@EdEastonJr spoke to award-winning artist Tech N9ne about the Chiefs’ recent success and its positive impact on the Kansas City community.
As with every professional sports franchise, the Kansas City Chiefs’ impact is to unite a community through tough times and tragedy.
Chiefs Wire’s Ed Easton Jr. spoke to award-winning artist Tech N9ne about the Chiefs’ recent success and positive impact on the Kansas City community.
“Whenever the Chiefs are up, crime and killings are down in Kansas City,” Tech N9ne explained. “I’ve noticed the morale in the town. Man, when the Chiefs are up, when the Chiefs are winning, we’re all winning. I’m sure if you talk to the PD (Police Department), they will say the same thing. I mean, things change in the streets. From what I see from where I’m standing.”
Chiefs players have often given back to the community off the field and are viewed as ambassadors for the city. The tragic events at this year’s Super Bowl parade didn’t dim the light of the many fans who view the team as an escape from internal issues in their own lives but rather come together to support each other.
“I’ve heard people say it, and I felt it in the town, celebrating with the town when we’re winning. I’ve been down at KC Live! When we’re winning,” said Tech N9ne. “Like just the energy in the town, man changes. You don’t hear any stories of murders or anything. The Chiefs bring the town joy, man, happiness, and togetherness, just like music does. It’s definitely important, and it’s obviously great to hear, and just the energy that this team brings.”
Wild Diversity wants to see more members of BIPOC and LGBTQ2S+ communities outside, whether hiking a trail, paddling a canoe, or camping in the wilderness. Since its founding in 2017, the Portland, Oregon-based nonprofit has tackled an outstanding number of initiatives and programs, including youth summer camps and group adventures for adults. The organization has also trained guides representative of the communities it serves.
Founder Mercy M’fon talked to Outdoors Wire about the need for Wild Diversity, its accomplishments so far, and its dreams for the future.
Note: This interview has been edited for length and clarity.
Outdoors Wire: Tell us briefly why you started developing Wild Diversity.
M’fon: We started because we wanted to support the BIPOC and LGBTQ community. They were facing a lot of political actions against them. And we know that outdoors provides healing, helps people reset, helps relax, and brings people joy. And I wanted to really be a part of facilitating that for our community.
So we started in 2017. We did this gear drive to get gear so we can run the adventures. It became such a central part of the work we do in helping get people out accessibly. They don’t have to spend hundreds of dollars on gear. They can just join us on one of our activities, see if they like it, and not worry about anything else.
We do adventures in Oregon and Washington. Our organization does a wide variety of adventures because we want people to find their own personal love language in the outdoors.
Photo courtesy of Wild Diversity
Outdoors Wire: What obstacles may discourage people in your communities from getting into outdoor adventure?
M’fon:Similar to a lot of people, the outdoors can just be really scary, first and foremost. There’s the gear, there’s the cost, there’s the community, there’s the knowledge and education about going outside and being safe outdoors. For the communities that we serve, they also face things like intimidation, people threatening them. Assault. They face violence outdoors just for existing sometimes. So, it can be really challenging.
We like to go outside as a community. We definitely provide all the education. We’re not just taking people on adventures. For example, if we went on a backpacking trip, we’re teaching them how to properly pack and fit their backpack. Teaching them how to cook, do the critter hang, and even to use the bathroom outdoors, which makes people nervous, too. So we really like to provide them with enough information that they feel comfortable going out on their own or with friends or family. And that’s our goal as a part of these beautiful community experiences is increasing their confidence and competence outdoors.
Photo courtesy of Wild Diversity
Outdoors Wire: It looks like you’ve gathered a large number of diverse guides. How did you find each other?
M’fon: I really like to believe that all these guides found us. In the outdoor industry, you see many organizations say, “We can’t find anyone, we can’t find anyone.” It was always the reoccurring narrative around why they didn’t have diverse guides and diverse representation in the organization.
We put a call out every year for guides. And, some years, we get close to 100 applications of people wanting to join our program. And I think it’s just like there’s people in the community out there that says like, “Yes, I want to support this community. I want to bring joy and access and comfort to this community.” And really just believing and buying into our mission and the work that we’re doing.
The thing about having a guide development program is that you get people who say, “Hey, I might not be a professional who’s been doing this for years and years, but I’m willing to learn how to show up for our community and be outdoors.” I think that is a big step that creates more openness to it. If we’re looking at an industry that doesn’t have a lot of diversity, and we’re asking for diversity that doesn’t exist — are we creating the stair steps for that diversity to exist and to thrive?
Photo courtesy of Wild Diversity
Outdoors Wire: How do you choose from all those guide applications?
M’fon: We look at the applications as a team. For us, the most important thing is “would I want to be on a trip with this person who’s applying?” It’s a lot about personality. I can teach them the camp craft skills, I can teach them the risk management. But are they going to be the person that spending a weekend with them, you’re like, “I want to get out in the outdoors again? I had such a fulfilling time.” And that is the number one thing we’re looking for with our guide program.
Photo courtesy of Wild Diversity
Outdoors Wire: What can hikers of any background do to try to support other hikers’ comfort outdoors?
M’fon: When we think about creating welcoming spaces in the outdoors, I think a smile and a hello goes a long way. I’ve heard people say, “I go up to every BIPOC person and I shake their hand.” And I’m like, that could kind of be awkward. It’s like targeting in a different way. The person’s very well-meaning, but it can be uncomfortable when somebody’s giving you this attention that you’re not sure about. So I would just say a smile and a hello goes a long way.
And work on being judgment-free. Not everybody who goes outdoors has the high-end gear or even knows what they’re doing out there. But they’re trying their best. If we can show them empathy and compassion for their situation and not judge them that they’re not at the level we’re at, I think that’s really huge.
Photo courtesy of Wild Diversity
Outdoors Wire: What have you learned in this work that has surprised you?
M’fon: I don’t know if I was in a pessimistic place or if I was just unsure, but I thought it would be something that would be like some youth in the future will have an easier time in the outdoors because of the work we’re doing today. And then we started programming. And the surprising part was that I and our team and all the guides we worked with over the years, we’re making an impact today. With the events that we do, with the representation that we support, with the opportunities and the access we provide. It is not some far off into the future thing that’s going to be the change maker. It is every single thing that our team is doing today, right now, to bring this joy and access to our community.
After being cut by the Broncos, Justin Simmons kept his commitment to speak at youth group that same day.
This sums up the kind of person Justin Simmons was in the Denver community from 2016-2023.
Simmons was scheduled to speak at a church youth group on Thursday evening, a commitment he made before he knew the Broncos would release him. Even after news broke Thursday morning that Denver planned to cut the safety, Simmons kept his commitment to speak on Thursday evening.
Check out the photos from local radio talent Mike Rice:
The day the #Broncos release him, Justin Simmons keeps his commitment to speak at our sons’ youth group at church. Great player. Amazing man. Incredible family. #BroncosCountry will miss you, @jsimms1119 and @tarynsimmons_ . But the best is truly yet to come. 1 Cor. 2:9 pic.twitter.com/SCWrOCfYc8
Simmons released a lengthy statement on social media last night after the news of his release became official. Here’s part of it:
I hope my game and character represented everything it meant to be a Bronco. … I don’t have any regrets over the past 8 seasons, but I’m truly sorry that I couldn’t deliver on getting you back to the post season. I understand it’s a business but as a captain and leader I am disappointed that I won’t see this thing through. I will always love you, Broncos Country.
Simmons is a class act and he will be missed in Denver. We wish him the best wherever he lands next.
A community you feel comfortable in can make all the difference when it comes to sticking with new hobbies and habits. For Black runners throughout the United States, running clubs that recognize, celebrate, and uplift them can be an empowering and transformative experience. There is also support and safety in numbers. When you run with people who understand your identity, you can form deep connections that help strengthen your physical and mental health.
If you’re looking for a Black-led running organization to join or support, explore this list of some excellent running groups from throughout the U.S. This list includes formal associations, not-for-profit groups, and running clubs that focus on supporting Black runners. And if you want to stay connected outside of running, check out this list of six Black outdoor organizations that cover everything from hiking to camping.
There aren’t many New Orleans Saints players who have enjoyed Carnival season better than Jameis Winston. The quarterback has been a common site on Mardi Gras parade routes with his young son and family, shaking hands and taking photos with fans in-between plates of smothered turkey necks and red beans. He’s embraced the city’s culture and sense of community and, he hopes, he’ll continue to do so for a long time.
“I would love to stay in NOLA forever. But whatever the Lord has planned for me, I’m going to go and do my best, wherever that is. Hopefully it’s here, because I love this, I love the energy, and I love this city,” Winston laughed during an interview with WDSU meteorologist Margaret Orr, this year’s honorary Muse of the Krewe of Muses.
Will Winston return for 2024? By all accounts he’s been nothing but a good teammate, accepting his demotion to the backup role after Dennis Allen brought in Derek Carr and okaying the offense’s decision to score a late-game touchdown for Jamaal Williams to close out the season. But the Saints reworked his contract before the 2023 season ended so that they can release him in March with a more-manageable salary cap hit. All signs point to his time in New Orleans running out.
“I just love the people. When I go out and meet individuals, they’re so authentic,” Winston continued, comparing the sense of community he’s found to the Southern hospitality he experienced growing up in Alabama. “New Orleans, there’s not another place in the world that’s like New Orleans. It’s the culture, and just the love that’s here. I admire it.”
#Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce and Kodiak donated 25,000 hot meals to young people in Kansas City.
The Kansas City Chiefs players and staff have continued to be involved in community support throughout the Kansas City area. The many off-season events and in-season contributions go beyond the play on the football field and are an excellent representation of the team caring about the city.
Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce has been one of the best examples of a player giving back to the fans and the many young kids who look up to him.
Kelce, in collaboration with Kodiak, a breakfast company known for its high-protein, whole-grain breakfast products, donated 25,000 meals to the children of Kansas City through Operation Breakthrough, an afterschool program for under-resourced youth, hundreds of families will receive hot breakfasts.
“Joining forces with my friends over at Kodiak to fuel the Operation Breakthrough families is a total privilege,” Travis stated in a press release, “Alongside Kodiak, a brand I love, we will be making a meaningful difference in the day-to-day life of hundreds of Kansas City kids, and I couldn’t be more excited to make this happen.”
The Pro Bowl tight end with the brand aims to fuel an active lifestyle and inspire more nutritious eating. Kelce and Kodiak are committed to getting kids up and outside to pursue adventure, starting with a hearty breakfast packed with protein and 100% whole grains.
“We are thrilled to work with Travis and an organization that is near and dear to his heart,” said Val Oswalt, CEO of Kodiak. “By providing nutritious breakfasts, we are giving kids what they need to be set up for success and ultimately pave the way for healthier futures.”
Kelce has worked closely with Operation Break, a nationally accredited, not-for-profit corporation that acts as a resource for parents in Kansas City on initiatives such as creating the Ignition Lab powered by his foundation Eighty-Seven & Running. “
Kansas City #Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce expects fans to show Tyreek Hill love during Saturday’s game.
The Kansas City Chiefs’ postseason journey gets underway against the Miami Dolphins on Saturday. The return of Tyreek Hill will headline the night alongside the freezing-cold temperature, but according to Travis Kelce, his former teammate could be in for a warm welcome.
Kelce shared his thoughts on the Arrowhead Stadium reception Hill should receive on Saturday during Thursday’s post-practice press conference.
“I expect K.C. to give him nothing but love until he’s putting up the peace sign or something,” Kelce said. “Then you might hear a few boos, but who he was for this community speaks volumes. Every single kid’s camp, he made it his effort to go out and shake those hands and give those kids an experience that never has again.
“That’s why Tyreek (Hill) is loved in this city. He will forever be loved in the city because of who he was off the field in this community as well, man, so it’s going to be electric to see him. He’s always one of the best football players in the league when he’s on the field.”
Hill hosted many community events and basketball tournaments during his tenure with the Chiefs. He garnered attention from celebrities and fellow athletes to come to Kansas City to participate and work with children.
The Denver Broncos Foundation contributed more than $5 million in financial and in-kind support to local nonprofits in 2023
While the Denver Broncos on the field have produced enough turmoil to have a documentary, their work off the field hasn’t garnered much attention but it has been noble nonetheless.
Through the Denver Broncos Foundation, the franchise contributed more than $5 million in financial and in-kind support to local nonprofits in 2023, an impressive number.
The Foundation would also more than double its financial commitment to grantees and program partners in some key focus areas: youth health and wellness initiatives, youth and high school football, dynamic in and out of school programming and equitable access to career pathways.
With the Broncos’ vision, more than 200 organizations and more than 175,000 youth in Colorado have been positively impacted by this outreach.
As aforementioned, the Broncos will end this season in chaos for what has transpired on the field between Russell Wilson and Sean Payton. But what they have done off the field is making an impact on our youth.
