We all know the difference former Auburn star Derrick Brown can make on the football field. He’s making sure to make a big difference off of it as well.
The first-round pick and current Carolina Panthers defensive tackle was named the Community MVP by the NFL Players Association for Week 6 of the season as Brown spent more $50,000 by distributing Halloween costumes and pizza throughout the Charlotte community to underprivileged kids.
“It’s a blessing to be named NFLPA Community MVP,” Brown said. “I’m grateful to use my platform to give back and support those in need.”
Brown’s event, where he distributed pizza and more than 1,000 costumes to families in need, kicked off Project Universal Love, a monthly initiative by The Derrick Brown Foundation and The Family Institute of Health & Human Services to give back to the greater Charlotte community. Each month, Brown will work to create various pop-up villages around Charlotte that will distribute more than $50,000 in needed resources.
The Carolina Panthers rookie defensive lineman has not wasted any time in giving back to his team city since being selected No. 7 overall in this year’s NFL Draft. In addition to launching his own foundation and Project Universal Love, Brown stepped up earlier this year to help those impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. The former Auburn star provided five foster-care families in need each with a $1,000 gift card to Sam’s Club along with a free membership to the store.
“I look forward to continuing my impact on and off the field,” Brown said.
In honor of Brown being named this week’s Community MVP, the NFLPA will make a $10,000 contribution to his foundation or charity of choice. Also, our supporting partner Pledge It has set up a crowdfunding campaign for supporters to make a flat donation at the following website: