Von Miller Named Week 12 NFLPA Community MVP
Denver linebacker launched inaugural “Von’s Vision Center” providing free eyecare to kids in need
VON MILLER NAMED WEEK 12 NFLPA COMMUNITY MVP
Denver linebacker launched inaugural “Von’s Vision Center” providing free eyecare to kids in need
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Von Miller has been named Week 12 NFLPA Community MVP after unveiling his first “Von’s Vision Center” at the Denver Broncos Boys & Girls Club. The kiosk-like center provides underprivileged students with free eye exams, vision screenings and new glasses without having to worry about transportation.
This marks the second straight season that Miller has earned NFLPA Community MVP honors for his work to provide low-income, Denver-area kids with the eyecare necessary to excel in the classroom.
“The work we do with Von’s Vision reflects my personal mission and I am grateful to be recognized by the NFLPA for a second straight year,” said Miller, who was honored last seasonfor donating more than 2,000 eyeglasses to a local center for visually impaired children. “It is important for me to make a difference in our community, and our new Vision Centers will allow us to give the gift of sight on a more regular basis.”
The new vision center is an extension of Miller’s signature outreach program, Von’s Vision Day, which provides similar free eyecare services for kids at various sites around the Denver area. Following the ribbon-cutting ceremony on Nov. 14, Miller held a Q&A with the students and foundation supporters in attendance. He used the session to share his own story of not being able to afford regular eyecare while struggling with nearsightedness as a child.
Since launching his foundation, Von’s Vision, in 2012, Miller has helped improve the sight of more than 6,500 low-income youth in Denver and his home state of Texas. In March, he hosted a three-day Vision Day at Texas A&M University, where he attended college. Over that span, 270 undergraduate students received no-cost eye exams and fashionable corrective eyewear.
Earlier this month, Miller raised more than $400,000 (including his own personal donation of $50,000) at his annual “Von Miller’s Western Round-Up” gala, which will go toward continuing the mission of his foundation.
In honor of Miller being named this week’s Community MVP, the NFLPA will make a $10,000 contribution to his foundation or charity of choice along with an in-kind donation to him on behalf of our supporting partner Delta Private Jets. A limited-edition bobblehead will also be made of Newton and sold by our supporting partner Forever Collectibles at www.foco.com. The NFLPA will donate part of the proceeds from this collector’s item to their charity or foundation of choice.
The NFLPA is also proud to partner with Life is Good, the original positive lifestyle apparel brand, to showcase athletes whose values align with the brand’s commitment to growing the good in their communities and helping those in need. In January 2019, Life is Good will further advance the MVPs’ worthy causes with theLife is Good x NFLPA commemorative T-shirt collection at LifeisGood.com and Fanatics.com. A portion of the proceeds will be donated to each player’s charity or foundation of choice.
Miller, along with the other 2018 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 local communities. Each week during the regular season, the NFLPA will celebrate one NFL player who has demonstrated a commitment to giving back to his community. Please visitour websiteto read more about the program as well as the current and past winners.
2018 NFLPA Community MVP winners*:
Week 0: Tyrann Mathieu, Houston Texans
Week 1: Melvin Gordon, L.A. Chargers
Week 2: Travis Kelce, Kansas City Chiefs
Week 3: Tyreek Hill, Kansas City Chiefs
Week 4: Damon Harrison, New York Giants
Week 5: Zach Ertz, Philadelphia Eagles
Week 6: Kelvin Beachum, New York Jets
Week 7:Devin & Jason McCourty, New England Patriots
Week 8: Kareem Jackson, Houston Texans
Week 9: Chris Carson, Seattle Seahawks
Week 10:Andrew Whitworth, L.A. Rams
Week 11:Cam Newton, Carolina Panthers
*Teams listed indicate player’s club when he was honored
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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 2020. Learn more at www.nflpa.com.