Atlanta's Bijan Robinson Named Week 5 NFLPA Community MVP
Atlanta's Bijan Robinson Named Week 5 NFLPA Community MVP
Washington D.C. – Bijan Robinson has been selected as the Week 5 NFL Players Association (NFLPA) Community MVP after hosting a book fair for more than 7,700 kids in Atlanta.
After learning nearly 70 percent of third- and fourth-grade Atlanta students were reading below proficient level, the Atlanta Falcons running back felt compelled to do his part in addressing the growing literacy rate crisis. On September 23, Robinson welcomed students from more than 35 elementary schools in the Atlanta Public Schools (APS) district to Mercedes Benz Stadium for a memorable event.
First, he read one of his favorite books, entitled “Be You,” to the large audience of children, inserting messages of encouragement after each page. Afterwards, he welcomed the students onto the field to interact with him and some of his Falcons teammates and to receive gift bags filled with reading materials, snacks, pajamas and a “BijanReads” shirt.
“Literacy is more than reading; it’s about confidence, opportunity, and encouraging better futures for our youth,” Robinson said. “When I learned how many students were struggling with these skills, I knew I had to use my platform to encourage change. Through “BijanReads,” we’re aiming to make literacy fun and accessible for every child.”
At the fair, Robinson announced the launch of his foundation’s “BijanReads” program, which aims to increase literacy rates by creating unique experiences, providing engaging content and distributing critical resources for students, parents and caregivers across Atlanta.
Included in this initiative are the installation of 54 “BijanReads” Reading Corners to serve as dedicated reading spaces across Atlanta elementary schools; "Bedtime Stories With Bijan" where he takes time out of his busy schedule to record himself reading his favorite children's books for all to access; and "Book Club With Bijan" for fellow book lovers to read along and participate in book discussions with Robinson.
“In the United States, more than 65% of fourth graders are not reading at grade level -- the literacy crisis in our schools is substantial,” he said. “It impacts kids across the country, regardless of race or economic status, and it can only end if we help our youth. I want to use my platform to raise awareness and expand access to resources that will help increase literacy rates for children in every corner of our country.”
Robinson’s inaugural book fair and reading program are a reflection of the Bijan Robinson Foundation’s four pillars: faith, literacy, youth and homelessness. Founded in 2023, the nonprofit aims to create meaningful impact in the lives of children, families and underserved communities. To date, Robinson himself has invested nearly $1.5 million in supporting churches and faith-based nonprofits, homelessness initiatives, youth sports organizations and other players’ foundations across Arizona (his home state), Texas (his college state) and Georgia (where his NFL team resides).
This marks Robinson’s second selection as an NFLPA Community MVP. During his rookie season, he was honored for donating $25,000 to the Austin Junior Jags youth football and cheerleading program and making a surprise visit to its camp, where he announced that they would receive new uniforms and have their field dues covered for practices and gamedays.
In recognition of Robinson being named NFLPA Community MVP for Week 5, the NFL Players Association will donate $10,000 to his nonprofit of choice. Along with the other Community MVPs from this season, Robinson will also be eligible for the Alan Page Community Award, which is the NFLPA’s highest player honor and includes an additional $100,000 donation.
As part of a new supporting partnership with GoFundMe, fans can now also make a donation directly to Robinson’s nonprofit of choice (Change Church Inc.) here. All donations are tax-deductible and will go directly to the player's selected nonprofit.
Now in its 12th season, the NFLPA’s award-winning Community MVP campaign is part of the union’s continued efforts to support the year-round civic outreach and engagement of its player members. For more information about NFLPA Community MVP program, visit here.
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About the NFL Players Association:
The National Football League Players Association (NFLPA) is the union for professional football players in the NFL and headquartered in Washington, D.C. Established in 1956, the NFLPA has a long history of protecting the health, safety and financial future of its more than 2,000 player members, who are the backbone of North America's most popular and highest revenue-generating sport. Through a wide offering of programs, resources and engagement opportunities, the NFLPA provides world-class service to players throughout their career lifecycle and builds solidarity to advocate on their behalf in the areas of healthcare, revenue, compensation and working conditions. The current CBA will govern the sport through the 2030 season. Learn more at nflpa.com.