KANSAS CITY’S PATRICK MAHOMES NAMED WEEK 9 NFLPA COMMUNITY MVP

KANSAS CITY’S PATRICK MAHOMES NAMED WEEK 9 NFLPA COMMUNITY MVP

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Patrick Mahomes has been named Week 9 NFLPA Community MVP after he helped cover the cost for new voting machines so that Arrowhead Stadium could serve as a polling place during the 2020 general election as well as in future elections.

“I’m honored and humbled to be recognized by the NFLPA as a Community MVP,” Mahomes said. “Being an active community leader is something that I feel is important to bring positive change and make the world a better place.”

As part of his continued efforts to combat voter suppression, Mahomes spearheaded a push to turn Arrowhead Stadium into a polling station. However, in order for this to happen, the Kansas City Election Board said it was in need of funds to purchase new voting machines. Through his 15 and the Mahomies Foundation, Mahomes and the Kansas City Chiefs organization footed the six-figure bill for 25 voting machines and the labor for 30 poll workers, allowing thousands of Jackson County residents to vote at Arrowhead Stadium earlier this month. The purchased polling equipment will also be used for the next 10 years of elections.

In June, Mahomes teamed up with Los Angeles Lakers star LeBron James, along with dozens of other professional athletes, for the More Than A Vote initiative. Along with encouraging all citizens to let their voices in the election, their efforts focused on fighting against Black voter disenfranchisement through voter education and registration as well as pushing for the use of sports arenas and stadiums as polling sites.

In being named NFLPA Community MVP, the Chiefs player representative continues what has been a banner year. After winning the Super Bowl in February, Mahomes landed a record 10-year contract with the Chiefs, invested in the Kansas City Royals as a minority owner and, most importantly, continued to support numerous charitable partners through his foundation.

In total, the 15 and the Mahomies Foundation has given back to more than 45 organizations through selfless acts such as: delivering 100 beds to young children who did not have one through Sleep in Heavenly Peace; providing custom Mahomes-branded adaptive bicycles for kids with physical and cognitive disabilities through the Variety Children’s Charity of Greater Kansas City; donating technology and sound equipment to several schools and early childhood education centers in the Kansas City metropolitan area; and, helping establish a hazard pay fund for early childhood education workers.

In September, to celebrate his 25th birthday, 15 and the Mahomies held a virtual birthday party and auction that raised more than $150,000 to benefit 15 different organizations. The event was to recognize his foundations signature mission, 15 for 15, which supports 15 youth charitable initiatives that focus on academics, science, the arts, classroom supplies, athletics, children with disabilities and after-school programs.

“I’m excited about the actions we’ve taken so far, as well as all of the good work that the 15 and the Mahomies Foundation has been able to provide to children and communities in need,” Mahomes said.

In honor of Mahomes being named this week’s Community MVP, the NFLPA will make a $10,000 contribution to the 15 and the Mahomies Foundation. Also, our supporting partner Pledge It has set up a crowdfunding campaign. Supporters can make a flat donation at the following website:

Make a Pledge

Mahomes, 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

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About the NFL Players Association: 

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.