PHILADELPHIA’S RODNEY MCLEOD NAMED WEEK 2 NFLPA COMMUNITY MVP

PHILADELPHIA’S RODNEY MCLEOD NAMED WEEK 2 NFLPA COMMUNITY MVP

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Rodney McLeod has been named Week 2 NFLPA Community MVP for distributing 40,000 pounds of fresh food for families while also providing polling information and opportunities for voter registration on site.

“I am honored to receive this acknowledgment by the NFLPA and count it a special privilege to be named a Community MVP,” McLeod said.

The Super Bowl champion safety dropped off 2,000 boxes of food to Philadelphia’s Share Food Program as part of his “Everybody Eats Every Month” initiative in partnership with iHeart Media Philadelphia. Similar efforts spearheaded by McLeod and his Change Our Future foundation will take place every month during the 2020 NFL season to grant access to fresh groceries for those struggling to afford food due to COVID-19 while fighting hunger in the region.

McLeod and his wife Erika created the Change Our Future foundation to eliminate barriers in healthcare and education by creating resources in local communities. McLeod understands that the future rests on the shoulders of today’s youth, which is why he places a large emphasis on education and providing opportunities for them to succeed.

Through his foundation, the ninth-year veteran has helped fundraise for Rise Up for Research, an initiative to help defeat cancer; created the “My Voice My Vote” campaign to encourage eligible Americans to get registered and vote in upcoming elections; and hosts an annual free football camp to educate the young athletes about sportsmanship, self-esteem, and good health and fitness.

“I believe the true heroes are the individuals who have and continue to work tirelessly as frontline healthcare workers, teachers equipping our youth, and the activists who help ensure justice and equality for all in every area,” McLeod said. “Making plays on the field is important, but I want to be remembered for tackling significant issues that matter the most to my community.”

Change Our Future was also active in the community over the summer. During the early months of the pandemic, the McLeods donated $25,000 to the Philabundance food bank to provide for those in need and prevent a hunger pandemic while also helping frontline workers at testing sites and hospitals by delivering food and providing lunches.

In honor of McLeod being named this week’s Community MVP, the NFLPA will make a $10,000 contribution to his Change Our Future 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:

Make A Pledge

McLeod, 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

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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.