Week 9 Community MVP: Ryan Kerrigan, Washington Redskins Outside Linebacker

Sixth-year NFL veteran Ryan Kerrigan cares deeply about his community--so much so, the Washington Redskins nominated him for both this year’s NFLPA Byron “Whizzer” White Award and the 2015 Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year award. Both honors are given annually to recognize a player’s volunteer and charity workas well as his excellence on the field.

Kerrigan continued his dedication to the Washington, D.C. area this past week, using his off day to open his fourth Kerrigan’s Korner at MedStar Georgetown University Hospital. Kerrigan’s charitable organization greatly impacts his community for the better, serving over 18,000 children annually. For his continued commitment to help those in need, he has been named the NFLPA’s Week 9 Community MVP.

Blitz for the Better Foundation aims to provide opportunities, support and resources to local children and families in need. The charity’s primary focus is to aid children who are seriously ill, have special needs or have physical challenges. As the flagship program for his foundation, Kerrigan’s Korner helps to do just that.

The first Kerrigan’s Korner was launched in 2015 to provide patients and their families access to electronics during their hospital stays as a means for relaxation, communication and therapy. The space includes everything from tablets, laptops, Xbox Ones, DVDs and plenty of games.

Immediately after the unveiling ceremony on Nov. 8, Kerrigan’s Korner was open for all children to play. Kerrigan then went room to room to meet patients who were unable to make it to the unveiling.

“We are always looking for new hospitals to partner with and for more children to help,” Kerrigan said. “People have really got behind my efforts and have been generous with their time and resources to bring them to life."

The grand opening was part of a busy week in the community for the Redskins linebacker. To raise funds for the installation of additional Kerrigan’s Korners in local hospitals and to honor Kerrigan for being named the Redskins’ 2015 Community Man of the Year, Blitz for the Better Foundation in conjunction with the Washington Redskins Charitable Foundation hosted the Ryan Kerrigan Topgolf Challenge in Loudoun on Nov. 7. Kerrigan along with his teammates joined Redskins legends and celebrities as they played with guests for a special experience—all for a great cause.

“It means a lot to be recognized as the NFLPA Community MVP. To think of how far the foundation has grown in 3 years—it's really great,” Kerrigan said. “I’m really fortunate to have the support of our fans who have made my foundation’s programs possible.”