L.A. CHARGERS’ CHRIS HARRIS JR. NAMED WEEK 8 NFLPA COMMUNITY MVP
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Chris Harris Jr. has been named the Week 8 NFLPA Community MVP after he distributed 500 bags of clothing and hygiene essentials to those experiencing homelessness in Los Angeles.
“I’m so honored to be named a NFLPA Community MVP,” the Los Angeles Chargers cornerback said. “Since entering the league, I’ve always wanted to use my platform to help and inspire others.”
As part of his foundation’s annual Chris Cares Winter Handout, Harris and the Salvation Army organized an event that saw 500 bags filled with blankets, beanies, socks, mittens, and hygiene items given to people experiencing homelessness in downtown Los Angeles. Those who attended were also treated to hot chocolate and fresh donuts, building on the annual initiative’s efforts to help those in need get through the colder months.
Harris and his wife, Leah, established the Chris Harris Jr. Foundation in 2012, just a year after e signed with the Denver Broncos as an undrafted free agent. The non-profit’s mission is to help underprivileged youth (or the “underdogs”) rise above their circumstances, achieve their goals and strive for greatness – just like Harris has done en route to becoming a Super Bowl champion, four-time Pro Bowler and three-time All-Pro defender.
“I wouldn’t have been able to achieve my dreams without the support from those closest to me,” Harris said. “I hope I can be that inspiration and encouragement for someone else working to find their way.”
While in Denver, Harris and his foundation launched several annual initiatives, including Coats For A Cause, where he provided winter jackets for disadvantaged youth at the Denver Children’s Home; Shop With A Strap, which treats underprivileged kids to a holiday shopping spree; Backpack Giveback, a back-to-school giveaway that blesses hundreds of students with backpacks filled with essentials for academic success; and the annual Underdog Academy Football Camp, which educates young athletes on the importance of technique, hard work and good sportsmanship.
Since joining the Chargers last year, Harris has continued to find ways to address the needs of and combat hardships within his new community. For instance, to give local kids something to look forward to during the ongoing pandemic, the 11-year veteran hosted a “Fun Friday” event at two Boys & Girls Clubs of Metro L.A. sites in October 2020.
In honor of Harris being named this week’s Community MVP, the NFLPA will make a $10,000 contribution to his charity or foundation of choice. Our supporting partner, Aldine Sports Association, will create customized T-shirts and hoodies featuring his unique Community MVP superhero illustration made by HEARTLENT Group. The apparel will be sold on ASA’s website during the season, with a portion of all proceeds going to Harris’s foundation or charity of choice.
Harris, along with the other 2021 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 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.
2021 NFLPA Community MVP winners:
Week 1: Justin Reid, Houston Texans
Week 2: Adam Thielen, Minnesota Vikings
Week 3: Emmanuel Sanders, Buffalo Bills
Week 4: Arik Armstead, San Francisco 49ers
Week 5: Jared Goff, Detroit Lions
Week 6: Von Miller, Denver Broncos
Week 7: Brett Hundley, Indianapolis Colts
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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.