DENVER’S BRANDON MCMANUS NAMED WEEK 14 NFLPA COMMUNITY MVP
Through his Project McManus foundation, the Denver Broncos player rep is helping out those most affected during this tumultuous year – small businesses and underserved families.
DENVER’S BRANDON MCMANUS NAMED WEEK 14 NFLPA COMMUNITY MVP
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Brandon McManus has been named Week 14 NFLPA Community MVP after he launched a relief program for those impacted by the pandemic, providing $15,000 to three Colorado restaurants and $15,000 to cover overdue rent or mortgage payments for single-parent households and mothers affected by domestic abuse.
“I am humbled and honored to be named Week 14 NFLPA Community MVP,” the Denver Broncos kicker said. “My foundation and I strive to find impactful ways to impact families, businesses and youth facing hardship.”
Through his Project McManus foundation, the initiative launched this week at Jack’s Bar & Grill, which has had to furlough 75 percent of its employees. This small business not only serves the Denver metropolitan area with food but also through its mission, providing opportunity and employment to individuals with developmental disabilities and special needs. McManus donated $5,000 to the restaurant in covering food costs, providing free meals to the public to encourage tipping of staff and assisting with business expenses. For the next two Tuesdays, the Broncos player rep will give $5,000 each in relief to two more local restaurants.
McManus is also donating an additional $15,000 to support single-parent families and mothers affected by domestic violence, poverty, trauma or homelessness. The funds will go toward covering overdue rent and mortgage payments so that these households can get back on their feet during these tough times.
This isn’t the first time that the seven-year veteran has come to the aid of those affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. In March, McManus funded 20,000 meals to the Food Bank of the Rockies, and in May, he donated 400 lunches to front-line health care workers in the UC Health system.
“I will make it my mission to continue to support those in need and leave our communities in a better place than they were before,” McManus said.
Built on the idea of promoting inclusivity while decreasing bullying, the Project McManus foundation was created in 2019 to empower at-risk and disadvantaged youth through literacy, resources, scholarship and educational programming in the Denver area.
Since his foundation’s launch, McManus has donated backpacks and school supplies to more than 100 underserved youth; provided select families with a $500 gift card to shop for their holiday needs; and fundraised $50,000 that was donated to three local charities that benefit at-risk youth.
In honor of McManus being named this week’s Community MVP, the NFLPA will make a $10,000 contribution to the Project McManus foundation. Also, our supporting partner Pledge It has set up a crowdfunding campaign to benefit his non-profit. Supporters can make a flat donation at the following website:
McManus, along with the other 2020 Community MVPs, will become eligible for this year’s Alan Page Community Award, which is the highest honor that the NFLPA can bestow upon a player.
The NFLPA Community MVP program recognizes NFL players who are making a positive impact in their hometowns and team cities. Each week during the regular season, the NFLPA will celebrate one player who has demonstrated a commitment to giving back to his community. Please visit our website to learn more about the program.
2020 NFLPA Community MVP winners:
Week 0: Kevin Byard, Tennessee Titans
Week 1: Cam Heyward, Pittsburgh Steelers
Week 2: Rodney McLeod, Philadelphia Eagles
Week 3: Landon Collins, Washington Football Team
Week 4: Oren Burks, Green Bay Packers
Week 5: Harrison Phillips, Buffalo Bills
Week 6: Derrick Brown, Carolina Panthers
Week 7: Shawn Williams, Cincinnati Bengals
Week 8: Corey Clement, Philadelphia Eagles
Week 9: Patrick Mahomes, Kansas City Chiefs
Week 10: Arik Armstead, San Francisco 49ers
Week 11: Malcom Butler, Tennessee Titans
Week 12: Geno Atkins, Cincinnati Bengals
Week 13: Hayden Hurst, Atlanta Falcons
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