The Suh family are big fans of BCG and we are big fans of all that Ndamukong Suh is doing to give back to the community. The Lions defensive tackle Ndamukong Suh donated $250,000 to his former high school in Portland, OR to help pay for the construction of a new football field and track. A 2005 graduate of Grant High School, Suh was motivated to give back so future generations could enjoy the benefits of better facilities.
“I see it as an opportunity to pay it forward for the kids that are there now,” said Suh. “It’s exciting to be a part of it – a very proud moment for myself and my family especially, being able to bridge the gap and make sure this facility gets done for Grant football as well as Grant track.” A number of businesses contributed to the project, which is estimated to cost close to $2 million to complete. Nike, one of Suh’s sponsors, also donated $350,000. “I really see Nike as one of my best and biggest partners and they’ve held true to that on many different levels,” said Suh. “They do this not only for Grant High School but a lot of other interscholastic schools around the country.
“It means a little bit more because it’s in their backyard, obviously the company being from Oregon, up in Beaverton.” Suh recalled his time at Grant, less than a decade ago, and tried to put himself in the shoes of the student-athletes who will benefit from his generosity.
“I look forward to being able to come back to games and I have little sisters who, you never know, might be on that field playing there some day – soccer or whatever it may be. I want the kids to understand that I was just like them. Eight, ten years ago I was just like them, walking through those same halls and learning from the same exact teachers. It’s funny that I get to be able to do something this special.”
And the giving doesn’t stop you probably saw the story on ESPN, but it’s a touching one to say the least, the Jack Hoffman story.
Hoffman is a seven-year-old Nebraska boy suffering from brain cancer. He recently gained notoriety as a guest participant during the University of Nebraska spring football game, scoring a touchdown on a 69-yard run.
As Hoffman continues his battle, his social calendar has remained full. Just this week he met President Barack Obama. Hoffman and his family have taken advantage of the new-found fame, using it to raise awareness and money for brain cancer research and treatment through the Team Jack Foundation. Ndamukong Suh, who played football at the University of Nebraska from 2005-09, has also been a supporter of Hoffman.
Recently, the Team Jack Foundation released a Suh-themed shirt, with all proceeds going to support pediatric brain cancer research. You can purchase the shirt for $20 by clicking here, or you can simply pledge money directly to the Team Jack Foundation. Last December, Suh also hosted Isaac Barchus, an eight-year old diagnosed with an extremely rare auto-inflammatory disease, at Ford Field for the Lions game against the Indianapolis Colts.
Bravo Mr. Suh, that’s how you give back!
