Philadelphia Eagles defensive end Chris Long will donate every single penny from his 16 game checks this year to charity.
Long had previously donated six game checks to charity, but he’s taking a major stop forward with this donation. Lots of players donate a little bit of money. However, I don’t ever remember an NFL player donating an entire year’s salary.
The AP reported the following:
The Philadelphia Eagles‘ defensive end already gave up his first six game checks to provide two scholarships for students in Charlottesville, Virginia. Now, he’s using the next 10 to launch the Pledge 10 for Tomorrow campaign.
“My wife and I have been passionate about education being a gateway for upward mobility and equality,” Long told The Associated Press. “I think we can all agree that equity in education can help affect change that we all want to see in this country.”
Long signed a two-year, $4.5 million contract with the Eagles, including a $500,000 signing bonus and $1.5 million guaranteed. His base salary in 2017 is $1 million.
This is one of the coolest things I’ve seen in a very long time. There are so many negative things said about NFL players and pro athletes in general. They’re trashed for being too flashy, arrogant and self-centered.
Giving away your entire salary for an entire year is one hell of a big statement. Lots of people talk a big game, but don’t follow through when it’s time to open up the checkbook. Good for Long and everybody else involved in this situation. Maybe some of the criticism of the NFL will begin to slow down a bit.