Cincinnati's Jessie Bates III Named Week 15 NFLPA Community MVP
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Jessie Bates III has been named the Week 15 NFLPA Community MVP after he hosted his third annual Single Mother’s Initiative event, treating a group of single moms and their kids to an unforgettable three days of fun.
“Being named NFLPA Community MVP is an amazing accomplishment for the JB3 Single Mom’s Initiative,” Bates said. “Growing up, I saw how hard my mom worked to provide for me and my family, and I want to be able to give back to single moms who are doing the same thing for their families now.”
The Cincinnati Bengals safety planned a special weekend for a group of six mothers to celebrate all of the hard work they put in as single parents. In partnership with Bigger Than Sneakers Inc., the weekend began with a shopping spree as the kids picked out Christmas presents for themselves and family members with a helping hand from Bates. Following that, Bates rented out a movie theater for the kids while their mothers enjoyed a night out at dinner together.
The next day, the kids were treated to fresh haircuts and styles followed by an afternoon of fun at TopGolf featuring a special appearance by the Bengals mascot Who Dey. To round out the weekend's festivities, the group attended the Dec. 11 Bengals game in a private suite. Afterward, they were granted access on the field and in the locker room, where they got to spend more time with Bates. Throughout the weekend, the fifth-year veteran provided limo service for the moms and kids to get around Cincinnati.
The cause behind this annual event hits home for Bates, who was also raised in a single-parent household. While growing up in Fort Wayne, Indiana, his mother worked two jobs to support him and his five siblings, so he understands how sacrifice goes into managing a family on your own.
Over the past few years, the Wake Forest alum has held this event with his mom by his side. In 2019, he hosted his first Single Mother’s Initiative event at a Bengals game, surprising three single mothers and their children with a suite as well as spending time with them pre-game in the tunnel and post-game at dinner. Last year, Christmas came early when he invited a group of single mothers and their families for a weekend of December fun featuring presents, bowling and tickets to a Bengals game.
In honor of Bates being named this week’s Community MVP, the NFLPA will make a $10,000 contribution to his charity or foundation of choice. Bates will also take part in a virtual or in-person visit to a school or children’s hospital. Along with the other 2022 Community MVPs, he will also become eligible for this year’s Alan Page Community Award, which is the highest honor that the NFLPA can bestow upon a player.
The Community MVP campaign is part of the NFLPA’s continued efforts to support the year-round, civic outreach and engagement of its player members. Please visit the NFLPA Community MVP website to learn more about the program.
2022 NFLPA Community MVP winners:
Week 1: Myles Garrett, Cleveland Browns
Week 2: Terry McLaurin, Washington Commanders
Week 3: Cody Davis, New England Patriots
Week 4: Darren Waller, Las Vegas Raiders
Week 5: John Metchie III, Houston Texans
Week 6: Justin Simmons, Denver Broncos
Week 7: Jason Cabinda, Detroit Lions
Week 8: Jaelan Phillips, Miami Dolphins
Week 9: Dalvin Tomlinson, Minnesota Vikings
Week 10: Kelvin Beachum, Arizona Cardinals
Week 11: Orlando Brown Jr., Kansas City Chiefs
Week 12: Jonathan Jones, New England Patriots
Week 13: Devin White, Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Week 14: Johnny Hekker, Carolina Panthers
Week 15: Jessie Bates III, Cincinnati Bengals
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The National Football League Players Association is the union for professional football players in the National Football League. Established in 1956, the NFLPA has a long history of assuring proper recognition and representation of players’ interests. The NFLPA has shown that it will do whatever is necessary to assure that the rights of players are protected—including ceasing to be a union, if necessary, as it did in 1989. In 1993, the NFLPA again was officially recognized as the union representing the players and negotiated a landmark Collective Bargaining Agreement with the NFL. The current CBA will govern the sport through the 2030 season. Learn more at www.nflpa.com.