FOOTBALL IN HIGH HEELS: RAVENS PLAYER HONORED
WASHINGTON – Baltimore Ravens running back Justin Forsett has been named this week’s NFLPA Community MVP for his volunteer work in response to historic flooding in the Baton Rouge area of Louisiana.
While on the ground prior to Baltimore’s Sept. 1 preseason game at New Orleans, Forsett teamed with Capital Area United Way to assist with the clean-up efforts and offer encouragement to those within a town that saw 13 people die and more than 60,000 homes destroyed or damaged by catastrophic flooding in August. The 10-year veteran also donated $7,500 to aid in relief as well as $2,500 worth of body wipes through his company ShowerPill and items from Procter & Gamble and Under Armour.
“It is truly an honor to be named Week 1 Community MVP,” Forsett said. “It was truly a blessing to be able to help those affected by the flood. The strength and courage of that community was inspiring and encouraging.
“I believe we are blessed to be a blessing to others, so I’m just glad I could help,” Forsett continued. “I would also like to thank the United Way and Salvation Army for allowing me to serve alongside them. Both are incredible organizations doing amazing work.”
Spurred by a humble spirit of faith, Forsett has built a reputation for helping others during his career. In February, Forsett led an effort to donate $100,000 worth of body wipes and water to Flint, Michigan after a state of emergency was declared due to lead contamination in the city’s drinking water.
“Justin’s generosity extends far from his team’s home base of Baltimore and we are grateful to him for helping our community during this difficult time,” said George Bell, President and CEO of Capital Area United Way.
On behalf of our sponsor Delta Private Jets, the NFLPA will make an in-kind donation to Forsett and his charity of choice for being named this week’s Community MVP. Visit our website to read more about and see photos from Forsett’s outreach work.
The NFLPA Community MVP program recognizes NFL players who are making a positive impact in their local communities. Each week during the regular season, the NFLPA will celebrate one active NFL player who has demonstrated a commitment to giving back to his community.
About the NFL Players Association:
The National Football League Players Association is the union for professional football players in the National Football League. Established in 1956, the NFLPA has a long history of assuring proper recognition and representation of players’ interests. The NFLPA has shown that it will do whatever is necessary to assure that the rights of players are protected—including ceasing to be a union, if necessary, as it did in 1989. In 1993, the NFLPA again was officially recognized as the union representing the players, and negotiated a landmark Collective Bargaining Agreement with the NFL. The current CBA will govern the sport through 2020. Learn more at www.nflpa.com.
