Week 1 Community MVP: Justin Forsett, Baltimore Ravens Running Back

The Baltimore Ravens' preseason finale loomed just a few hours away, but Justin Forsett's mind was elsewhere.

Like the rest of the country, the veteran running back had watched in devastation as television clips caught the catastrophic flooding that swept through Louisiana's Baton Rouge area in August. Now, as he and his Ravens teammates travelled to New Orleans on September 1 for their preseason finale against the Saints, Forsett wanted to make sure the victims knew they had not been forgotten.

After volunteering with Capital Area United Way during his pre-game visit and making both financial and in-kind donations, Forsett has been named the NFLPA's Week 1 Community MVP.

"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."

To help a Baton Rouge community that saw 13 people die and more than 60,000 homes damaged or destroyed by historic flooding, Forsett 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.

While on the ground, Forsett took time to help with the ongoing clean-up efforts, pray with the victims and even donated his cleats to a 12-year-old in need. He chronicled part of his experience on the NFLPA's Instagram account, providing another reminder to those across the country that support is still needed.

"I believe we are blessed to be a blessing to others, so I'm just glad I could help," Forsett said. "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.