Baltimore’s Rashod Bateman Named Week 8 NFLPA Community MVP
Baltimore’s Rashod Bateman Named Week 8 NFLPA Community MVP
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Rashod Bateman has been selected as the Week 8 NFL Players Association (NFLPA) Community MVP for hosting his fourth annual “Bateman BOO-tique,” which brought Halloween fun to more than 200 pediatric patients at a local Ronald McDonald House.
The Baltimore Ravens wide receiver covered the costs for the event, providing costumes, decorations, candy, pumpkins, craft supplies and dinner so that every child could get into the spooky spirit.
“Being named NFLPA Community MVP is a blessing and an honor,” Bateman said. “Over the past four years, it’s been incredibly rewarding to partner with the Ronald McDonald House Charities of Maryland and highlight the amazing work they do for families in need.
“Bringing smiles to the faces of kids facing difficult challenges is a privilege I’ll never take for granted,” he continued. “Thank you to the NFLPA for this recognition!”
Bateman’s support for the Ronald McDonald House is deeply personal. After seeing some of his own relatives benefit from the pediatric care services offered by the nonprofit, he has become a long-time advocate for its mission. Over the years, he has honored and raised funds for the organization through the NFL’s My Cause My Cleats initiative, while also making several personal visits to the local facility.
The son of a teacher, Bateman has made community engagement a core part of his platform. Earlier this year, Bateman launched the Without You Foundation to inspire and uplift the next generation through mental well-being and authenticity. The nonprofit aims to create spaces where every person feels seen, valued and supported through community-driven programs and open dialogue.
This past August, he returned to his hometown of Tifton, Georgia in August to donate 100 backpacks and water bottles to the football team at Tift County High School, his alma mater. While there, he also hosted a youth community event where he donated 100 meals to kids in need.
Additionally, the fifth-year wideout is planning to host a November spa day and special dinner for the women of Marian House, which is a shelter that provides support for survivors of domestic violence in Baltimore.
In recognition of Bateman being named NFLPA Community MVP for Week 8, the NFL Players Association will donate $10,000 to his nonprofit of choice. Along with the other Community MVPs from this season, he 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 donate directly to Without You Foundation here.
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. Community MVPs are selected by a committee of NFLPA staff that reviews the weekly nominees, which are submitted by players, NFL team staff, agents, marketing representatives, and other stakeholders. 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.