Colt Vontae Davis Named Week 5 NFLPA Community MVP

The cornerback is dedicated to making lives better for abused and neglected children

The NFLPA Community MVP recognizes players who are making a positive impact in their local communities. Each week, the NFLPA will celebrate one player who recently demonstrated his commitment to giving back and will make a donation to the player’s foundation or cause in support. This week’s #CommunityMVP is Indianapolis Colt Vontae Davis for his dedication to serving Indiana’s at-risk and foster children through multiple initiatives.

Notching two team victories in a five-day span would typically be enough work in one week for an NFL player. Not for Indianapolis Colts cornerback Vontae Davis. He added not one, not two, but three community events to his packed schedule this week. All benefit local disadvantaged youth, a cause near to his heart.

“Most of my charitable efforts are focused around children because they need the most help growing up,” Davis said. “They need to see positive role models in the community that they can look up to. It is important that kids feel loved whether you are adopted, neglected, abused, forgotten – they are all equal.”

Cooking for a Cause

Davis, or “Chef Tae” as he recently referred to himself, participated in the Children’s Bureau’s Annual Celebrity Chef Cook-off event on Tuesday, October 6, alongside his wife, Megan. The pair challenged other notables in a culinary competition to raise money for abused and neglected children and families in Indiana.

“I don’t really cook much at home, so having the chance to sauté some veggies and steak for the first time was pretty fun,” Davis said.

The event, now in its 18th year, helps raise money and awareness for the organization that has advocated for the safety and wellness for the children of Indiana for more than 160 years. Working closely with the Department of Child Services, Children’s Bureau provides prevention and intervention services to women and families throughout 47 counties in Indiana.

“I had an amazing time not only cooking the steak but also interacting with the people at my table,” he added. “Knowing that all the money raised from the night goes to local neglected children made it special for everyone there.”

Helping Kids be Kids

This season, Davis, also teamed up with Hands of Hope, an organization focused on aiding orphans through adoption and foster care. The partnership provides children with tickets, meal vouchers, and a pregame player meet and greet at every home game. On Sunday, October 4 the cornerback spent time getting to know some of the attendees, who were treated to an extra-special overtime win as the Colts defeated the Jaguars 16-13.

“One of my biggest heroes is my grandmother for all the work that she did raising me when I was growing up,” Davis said. “Without her guidance and leadership, I wouldn’t be where I am today. I am trying to be that light for the children in my community.”

The 27-year-old and six of his siblings – including San Francisco 49er Vernon Davis – were raised solely by their grandmother in the Petworth area of Washington, D.C.

“Coming from a rough background and upbringing has made me give back more as well,” Vonate Davis said. “I want kids to have fun and enjoy their childhood whether you are adopted, neglected, anything – someone loves you and that includes me.”

And while it would make sense to take it easy the day after a Thursday night road victory, Davis will be back in action today with the Indiana Department of Child Services. The video and photos captured at the shoot will be used to support the office’s Adoption Awareness Month campaign in November.

“Being in the position that we are in as professional athletes and role models, we have to lead by example,” Davis said. “Putting smiles on kids’ faces and leaving an impact on their lives whether it be for one minute or an hour is important.

No Off-Season for Charity

Make no mistake, his efforts aren’t limited to one week of the year. Davis endorsed St. Louis Ram Chris Long’s Waterboys Initiative, which brings water to rural communities in East Africa, and recently donated $1,000 worth of football equipment to Oxon Hill High School in Maryland. He also promised the return of his annual holiday event, which gave 21 foster children a shopping spree with Davis and teammates in 2014.

“You can never do too much giving back,” said Davis.

--Giordanna Easley
NFLPA Communications

To keep up with Vontae Davis and his charitable efforts, you can follow him on social media:
Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook.

Visit the NFLPA Community MVP page for more information.

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