Editor’s Note: 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 to his community, and will make a donation to the player’s foundation or cause in support. This week’s #CommunityMVP is Indianapolis Colts WR T.Y. Hilton for his work with the Strikes for Kids Indy Bowling Classic, the proceeds of which benefitted local high school seniors in the form of college scholarships.

The Indianapolis Colts’ Week 12 game against the Jacksonville Jaguars was one of the most memorable days of T.Y. Hilton’s life, but not because of the victory. A routine 23-3 win for Indianapolis, the Colts star wide receiver recorded a 73-yard touchdown reception. He celebrated by cradling the football like a baby, a tribute to his newborn daughter who had been delivered that morning.

As the father of three young children, Hilton has embraced the responsibilities of fatherhood. Like all parents, he wants the best for his children, and that includes receiving a college education.

Last Monday, he used his platform as a star NFL player to help other local children in their quest for a college degree. Hilton himself received a degree in sports broadcasting from Florida International. As a father and recent college graduate, helping young students receive higher education is a cause that resonates with him. 

In this spirit, Hilton served as a host for The Strikes for Kids Indy Bowling Classic, an event that annually brings together athletes and local youth organizations to help the Indianapolis community.

 

“I met the Executive Director at another event,” Hilton told NFLPA.com when asked how he got involved with Strikes for Kids. “After speaking with him again we were able to put on this sold-out bowling event with the support of my teammates and the Indianapolis community.”

Hilton brought together a number of Colts teammates for the event, including Dwayne Allen, Matt Hasselbeck, Reggie Wayne and several other Colts. With his big smile and good-humor, Hilton made himself available to all of the guests, signing autographs and posing for pictures. He also participated in a few rounds of bowling, of course.

The proceeds from the event went to four scholarships that will help Indianapolis-area high schools seniors pay for their first year of college.   

“These kids are working hard in the classroom to graduate from high school and wanting to go to college and they need help,” Hilton said. “I’m trying to help show them that it is possible and that they can achieve their dreams, just as I have.”

To qualify for the scholarships, students must meet a variety of criteria. Requirements include a 3.0 GPA, at least 40 hours of community service, participation in a sports activity or club, and a 2,000-word essay explaining why they want to go to college.

“It is always incredible to really see and feel the support of the Indianapolis community and that of my Colts family,” Hilton said. “Especially when we’re out here raising money for these kids to help with the next level of their education.”

Attendees also received shirts and gift bags, and were able to participate in a silent auction.

In addition to his work at the Strikes for Kids Indy Bowling Classic, Hilton stays busy supporting a number of other causes.

He spent the month of October supporting the NFLPA’s “One Team for the Cure” intiative, in which One Team for the Cure t-shirts were sold with NFL player’s names and numbers on the backs. Proceeds from the sales went towards the Georgetown Lombardi Comprehensive Cancer Center in Washington, D.C.

Although many players were involved in the campaign, Hilton was among the most active supporters. He constantly interacted with an encouraged his social media followers to contribute to the cause by purchasing a shirt. On Twitter, he followed back all those who tweeted a photo of their purchase or donation.  

Also this season, Hilton held a charity event benefitting Fathers and Families, an organization that serves as a resource for local fathers in a variety of ways. Hilton understands the difficulties that fatherhood can pose, and wanted to help those who may not be as prepared for the responsibilities it entails either emotionally or financially.

The organization helps unemployed, undereducated, or low-skilled fathers build a better life for themselves and their children. Fathers and Families also promotes increased child support, healthy marriages, crime prevention, and a variety of other initiatives to encourage responsible fatherhood. 

As part of the Colts Community Ticket Block program, Hilton donated tickets, meal vouchers, and gift bags to fathers in the organization at his event. He spent the evening meeting with the fathers and their children, all of whom were thrilled to meet the Colts receiver.

This Saturday, Hilton will support the 2014 Bleed Blue Blood Drive as its spokesperson and featured player. The event is the largest single-day blood drive in Indiana, thanks in part to players like Hilton donating not only their blood, but also their time to rally local donors and support the cause.

Hilton also supports DREAM Alive, an Indianapolis-based organization that serves at-risk youth.

“I truly look forward to expanding my outreach in this community,” Hilton said, “and continuing to give back to a group that has given me so much support.”

-- Rob Troiano
NFLPA Communications
Photos Provided by Melanie Wadden/Select Sports Group