The Miami, Florida native was drafted by the Lions in the 2008 NFL Draft and quickly signed a 3-year deal with the franchise. Though he’s seen his ups and downs during his time in Detroit there has been one constant throughout his career, his commitment to giving back and his love for the fans.

“Without the fans and the people across the world that watch football we wouldn’t be able to do what we do. Giving back is a way for us players to show our appreciation and show that we are regular human beings like everybody else,” Smith explained.

“I do it because it’s fun and I like meeting new people and doing stuff, especially with the kids. Any time I have an opportunity to go out and help I’m all for it,” he added.

Though Smith does not run or operate his own charitable foundation he remains highly active in both his hometown of Miami and within the city of Detroit. Thanksgiving and Christmas are very busy and important times for many families, which presents its own motivation for Smith to be active and help those who are less fortunate. Through the Lions organization, Kevin, alongside his teammates assist in handing out turkeys and run local toy drives in the Detroit area during the Christmas season.

A proud child of Miami, Kevin also goes back home yearly to host his own Easter event and is proud to make a difference for the youth of his hometown.

“I do an Easter drive in Florida. My first year doing it was last Easter and I plan to continue doing it every year,” said Smith.

“For me, it’s just a way to give back to my community. I love playing with the kids, so whenever there’s a camp or a chance to set up a fun day like my Easter drive I jump at it. I would just like the people to know I appreciate them and most of all to know that I’ll never forget where I come from,” elucidated the Central Florida Alumni.

A lifelong football fan, Kevin Smith had his share of NFL heroes growing up, but his love for children and willingness to help others came from his mother, a hero he watched closely for years.

“Growing up my mother was definitely a role model for me. She’s been a teacher for over 25 years and just to see her passion for kids I knew that when I was able to give back I would definitely do the same thing,” he said.

During his long journey to the pros, Smith had never had it set that if he were to be blessed with the opportunity of playing football he would give back to society. For him it has always been something of a natural nature.

“I never really thought about giving back, it just kind of came naturally. To me it’s like leaving a restaurant and seeing a homeless person asking for change, you just put the change in the cup, you don’t think while you’re eating at a restaurant that you’re going to find a homeless person afterwards to give change to, it’s one of those things that when the opportunity presents itself you do something,” says the Lion running back.

With so many stories in the media of professional athletes being selfish or greedy there is no doubt that Kevin Smith presents a completely different look at what the effects of such an opportunity can have on someone. Smith, and so many other NFL players, realize just how lucky they are and remember what it was like to be a youngster looking up to these giant-like figures. His kindness and whole hearted efforts to give back give youth a look at what things money and fame can do besides buy nice homes and cars.

As his career continues Smith hopes to continuously make large impacts with smiles, laughter and a chance for all youth to enjoy life.

“I want to do things like setting up basketball tournaments and just giving people the opportunity to have fun. Positive people hanging around each other, having a good time, seeing the kids run around, giving out free food or shirts. I think it’s important to touch our youth and it starts with the kids, even if it is 5 or 10 kids, anything to guide our youth is so important.”

These days Nilan is no longer dropping the gloves with other tough guys, but instead taking on bullies of all ages. Residing in the Montreal area, the Boston native is highly active within elementary and high schools raising awareness about bullying and informing today’s youth about its severity.

“I try to make them aware that when someone is bullying someone it’s not playing around, it’s not horsing around, it’s not joking around, it’s serious,” Nilan explained. “I try to make them aware that their words can be more hurtful to a person. Kids often worry about a bully beating them up and I tell them that any punch or slap or physical abuse often doesn’t come close to the pain of depression and loneliness that can come with someone being bullied in the verbal sense,” he said.

Although he was known as scrapper during his time in the NHL, Nilan says he only did so as a protector of his teammates, a role he says was obtained from his father, a military man.

“Well my dad taught me at a young age that when I go off to school he didn’t want anyone from the school calling him saying that I’ve picked on a kid younger, smaller or weaker than me. He also told me that if anything, I should stick up for other kids because he expected it of me,” Chris recalled.

“A lot of people say that I fought when I played hockey and this and that but the fact is if you look at my track record I wasn’t a bully, I was a defender,” elucidated Nilan. “I was a protector and stuck up for my teammates, I did my job to the best of my ability and it was mostly in a defensive role to defend my teammates, not so much to be the bully.”

By traveling through many schools and speaking with various age groups regarding the subject of bullying, Nilan focuses his presentations on the causes and effects of bullying, as well as the importance of stepping up and becoming a protector. Stressing the importance of speaking up and having a voice rather than using physical force to address bullying, Nilan says reeducating someone who is a bully or who picks on others is just as important as putting an end to his or hers aggressive behaviour and that starts with the involvement of parents and teachers.

“The only way we’re going to put a stop to this is, is if we get the children to get the adults involved. If the adults don’t get involved were not going to be able to totally get it out of schools. If children start to speak up for themselves and they speak up to the principal or anyone in a position of authority so they’re aware, they’re able to not only mediate the situation but the teachers then are able to reeducate the bully,” Chris explicated.

“The bully is often envious or resentful to someone. I point out the fact that in every case of bullying, there are people around and usually those people are bystanders and followers. The followers usually encourage the bully out of fear so they back them up and support them so they are able to escape the wrath of being the target or victim. The one person that is very rarely around is the defender, the person that will say ‘stop leave them alone.’”

It is no secret that over recent years bullying has become an issue in the forefront of concern in our education system. With various forms of awareness such as movies and help lines, it’s people like Chris Nilan who can have an influence and choose to use their status in a positive, informative manner. Who better to spread the word against bullying than someone who made a living sticking up for guys who were smaller or didn’t posses the size and strength to compete with some of the toughest guys in the NHL.

To learn more about Chris Nilan and his work within the community, visit http://www.knucklesnilan.com/

“Racing For Cancer is something that’s extremely important to me, it started with me and a friend of the team. We got together and formed Racing For Cancer as my mom was struggling with her fight against colon cancer,” explained Ryan. “She ultimately lost that fight and it really inspired us to do a lot in the fight against cancer and for the cancer community and we’ve done a lot for that at the racetrack, it’s huge,” he added.

The former Barber Dodge Pro Series Rookie of the Year is not alone in his fight, with the tight knit Indy Car family behind him, proceeds and awareness have sky rocketed over the past year.

“The other Indy Car drivers really help a lot, whenever we need them they jump in no problem. The Indy Car guys are really great like that so you know guys like Tony Kanaan and my teammates Marco Andretti and Mike Conway will always help out,” says Ryan. “It’s been received very well and we’ve certainly had a lot of cooperation from people for that matter to help us raise money. This year we’ve raised almost $200,000 and our goal is to get to $300,000.”

Since losing his mother, Hunter-Reay has dedicated his life and passion of racing to cancer research and development. His Indy Car number “28” was chosen to represent the 28 million people fighting the same battle his mother had lost, and he continues to take steps forward as he was named a LIVESTRONG Global Envoy in April 2011, to represent the entire motorsports community. By putting on big events at major Indy races, Ryan has encouraged numerous drivers and those in the audience to do what they can to make a difference.

Hunter-Reay’s relationship with LIVESTRONG is something that he hopes and anticipates will grow stronger as time passes, while continuing to use his place in Indy as a platform for awareness.

“They really have the outreach that we’re looking for to gain momentum and raise funds. LIVESTRONG is the more powerful charity and that’s the one we’re concentrating on as well,” said the 2008 Indianapolis 500 Rookie of the Year. “It can go many different ways, I just want to do whatever I can while I’m in the position that I’m in driving race cars, driving in the Indy 500. It’s the world’s single-day biggest sporting event so we have to use that to really make a difference and make the difference against fighting cancer,” he added.

There is no denying the fact that Racing for Cancer has already made a positive and effective impact on the development in research for cancer and it will continue to be a leader lap after lap until the race can finally come to an end.

“I have a passion because of what I’ve lived through with my mother. My mom died really young, she still had half her life to live. The worst part about cancer is the way it kills you. It’s horrible; I wouldn’t wish it upon anyone. I really have a passion for it. I’m still almost angry about it and that really burns that fire to make a difference. Every person has a cancer story and we have to change that,” concluded Hunter-Reay.

To learn more about Racing for Cancer or to join the fight, visit www.racingforcancer.org

McDonald played seven seasons as a Maple Leaf, becoming a fan favourite amongst Torontonians and without a doubt was an important figure to the Leaf organization. He broke the 90-point plateau on two occasions and passed 80 points four times, while scoring the team’s biggest goal of the decade during the 1978 Stanley Cup Playoffs. McDonald was traded from the Leafs in December of 1979, shocking the city of Toronto and Lanny himself. After a short stay in Colorado, Lanny McDonald found himself back in Canada as he was sent to Calgary where he would play the rest of his career.

Upon McDonald’s arrival in Calgary followed a sense of giving, one, which would have an effect on not only the Flames, but also the community around them. Lanny McDonald bestowed a player-fan bond upon the entire hockey world that many came to idolize.

McDonald’s work towards charitable efforts began during the 1974 Special Olympics Summer Games when he was asked by the Maple Leafs to represent the organization during that year’s competition. Lanny’s willingness and co-operation spawned the beginning of a long partnership between McDonald and the Special Olympics. The Hanna, Alberta native has since continued to support the Special Olympics through participation and campaign awareness including various fundraising efforts. He was the 1986 Special Olympics Summer Games honourary coach in Calgary, and coached that year’s Canadian floor hockey team.

Lanny’s ability to connect with fans and teammates reflected his importance to those he helped. His involvement with the 1986 Special Olympics and his work with the Alberta Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals earned him the first ever Ralph T. Scurfield Humanitarian Award from the Flames for his charitable efforts. One year later his work was recognized by the NHL as the league deemed him the inaugural recipient of the King Clancy Memorial Trophy in 1988. His 1987 autobiography entitled Lanny was a Canadian-Best Seller and sold 10,000 copies within its first few months of publication, leading his publisher Mcgraw-Hill to make a $10,000 donation to the Special Olympics.

In 1989, Lanny McDonald officially retired from the NHL after capturing his first ever Stanley Cup with the Flames that spring. His time as a player may have come to an end, but his commitment to charity and care for others continues and he doesn’t plan on stopping anytime soon. Through events such as Community Roasts, Lanny assists in benefiting three worthy causes. The Flames Foundation for Life; Special Olympics; and Soldier On Fund; all benefit from the charitable efforts put forth by Lanny McDonald and the Calgary Flames. From children’s education and recreation; to sport training and competition for those with mental disabilities; and the financial and social stability of wounded or ill Canadian soldiers; all aspects of society are important and worthy of the support.

Lanny McDonald has worked first hand to change the lives of so many aspiring athletic hopefuls, while raising thousands of dollars for numerous causes. He has shown loyalty and commitment for a cause in which he believes in and for that reason alone he is a hero amongst legends.

For former NHL All-Star and six-time Stanley Cup Champion Mark Messier, the well-being and assured stability of those families who have lost a loved one in the line of duty is an important and essential concern. In 2008, Messier became involved with the New York Police & Fire Widows’ and Children’s Benefit Fund, sitting on the Board of Directors and acting as a spokesperson for the charity. Since its 1985 inception, the fund has distributed over $123 million to the families of fallen fire fighters, police officers, emergency medical services and port authority officers.

Messier played a total of 10 years in New York serving two stints as Rangers captain and scored the famous game winning goal in Game 7 at Madison Square Garden which led them to their first Stanley Cup in 54 seasons. Number 11 quickly became the face of the Rangers franchise and served as a leader on and off the ice. His loyalty to his teammates was a testament to his love for the city of New York and has yet to fade in any extent even after seven years since he last dawned the Rangers sweater.

Messier recently announced that he would be participating in the ING New York City Marathon for charity. The marathon, which takes place November 6, is a 26-mile journey which Messier will be running for two charities; the Tomorrow Children’s Fund and the New York Police & Fire Widows’ and Children Fund. It has always been known throughout the hockey community that Messier has never been a runner, completing a 19-mile run during the height of his professional career. However, at age 50, the beloved former Ranger captain appears to be ready and committed to finish the marathon with strong ties to the charities he will be supporting.

Mark continues to sit on the Board of Directors for the Police and Fire Widows’ and Children Fund while serving as a special assistant to the Rangers’ President. He remains active within the hockey and social community in both Canada and the United States and is a true ambassador to the game and a servant to the countless families who have lost loved ones while serving to protect our safety.

To learn more about the Tomorrow Children’s Fund or the Police and Fire Widows’ and Children’s Fund, visit https://answerthecall.org/

Both Ovechkin and Malkin had previously played with various members of the Lokomotiv team and are friends with many of their families and immediately felt the need to assist the families that had been left behind. During the Penguins and Capitals game on Thursday, October 13, 2011, the two rival teams joined with one common goal in raising money and honouring their fallen friends. Both teams wore commemorative Lokomotiv patches on their jerseys, which were later autographed and put up for an auction that will run until October 27, 2011.

The player’s wives and girlfriends of the Penguins sold remembrance bracelets during the two teams first meeting of the season and the Capitals sold many of the same bracelets during their home opener October 8, 2011. All proceeds from the bracelets and auctioned jerseys will be sent to the families of the crash victims in efforts to provide assistance through these very difficult times.

The beautiful thing about the sporting world is the common love for the game that many share to aspire and enjoy while at the same time make a living. Many past and present warriors within the NHL are in reality close friends and have an undying respect for not only teammates, but also opponents alike. The hockey community, especially the Russian hockey community, has always been known as a very tight knit group and there is no doubt that in a time such as this, coming together as a family is the only thing to do.

To learn more about Love for Lokomotiv or for donation and auction inquiries, visit http://www.loveforlokomotiv.com/donate.html

Born in Barrio San Anton in Carolina, Puerto Rico on August 18, 1934, Clemente was the youngest of seven children in a family that was barely able to afford to get by every day. With his father working as a foreman on a sugarcane plantation and his mother running a grocery store for plantation workers, money was tight for the family. With the state that the family was in, Roberto took jobs as a milk delivery boy and any other odd jobs that were available to earn some extra money for them. Although he started working at a young age, his hard work and perseverance were better displayed on the sandlots in his hometown.

While playing in the LBBPR (Puerto Rican Professional Baseball League), the Brooklyn Dodgers offered him a contract to play with their Triple-A squad in Montreal. Clemente accepted the offer to play in Montreal but while he was with the team, his talent was overlooked. Pirates’ scout, Clyde Sukeforth, noticed that Clemente was being used as a bench player on the team and had a lot more potential than that. After discussing with the team’s manager, Max Macon, about the possibility of drafting the young right fielder, the possibility became reality as the Pirates took the right fielder with their first pick in the rookie draft.

On April 17, 1955, Clemente made his MLB debut with the Pittsburgh Pirates in the first game of a double header against the Brooklyn Dodgers. At the time, racial tension with the local media and teammates were a common thing for players who were not white or born in North America. Clemente made it known from day one what he thought about the issue, telling the media, “I don’t believe in colour.” He told them that while he was growing up, his parents taught him to never discriminate against someone based on ethnicity.

Clemente would continue playing baseball in Puerto Rico, playing with the Santurce Crabbers in the Puerto Rican baseball winter league in the offseason. By 1959, Clemente stopped playing in the winter league and instead, served in the United States Marine Corps Reserves, who he would continue to serve for until September 1964.

In 1960, Clemente’s bat came to life in many ways. He finished the season with 16 homeruns; 94 runs batted in; and had a batting average of .314. He helped lead the Pirates to a 95-59 record; the most wins by the organization in a single season since 1925 when they won their second World Series. That year the Pirates ended up meeting the New York Yankees in the World Series; a team that featured All-Stars such as Roger Maris, Mickey Mantle and Yogi Berra and finished with the best record in baseball that season. Despite being outscored by the Yankees 55-27, outhit 91-60, and outbatted .338 to .256 in the seven-game series, the Pirates took home the World Series that season as they defeated the Yankees 10-9 in the seventh game at Pittsburgh’s Forbes Field as Pirates’ second baseman, Bill Mazeroski, smacked the game winning homerun over the left field wall in the bottom of the 9^th inning. With Clemente and the Pirates winning the World Series, he became first Hispanic starter to win the grand prize.

The following season Clemente would hit over 20 homeruns as he finished the season with 23 homeruns; 89 runs batted in; and batted a cool .351. He would also take home his first Gold Glove Award that season; something he would continue to do for the next 11 seasons until his final season in 1972. Throughout the years, Clemente would go on to win the 1966 League MVP and another World Series in 1971 where he was also named the World Series MVP. With Clemente being awarded both the league MVP in ’66 and the World Series MVP in ’71, he became the first Hispanic player to win both awards.

Throughout his career Clemente was always making trips back home to deliver items to those were less privileged. He would bring food for the families who couldn’t afford to eat every day, as well as baseball equipment for the kids to stay busy and active. Clemente was hoping that by doing this, the kids back at home would work hard to achieve their goals and make their dreams reality one day just like he was able to. He didn’t come from the wealthiest family so he knew what type of situation they were in back at home.

In December of 1972, a massive earthquake hit Nicaragua that nearly destroyed everything. After hearing the news, Clemente immediately started arranging emergency relief flights. He later learned that the first three relief flights he sent out with the aid packages were diverted by corrupt officials of the Somoza government and the packages were never delivered to the quake victims. On December 31, 1972, about one week after the earthquake hit, Clemente decided to accompany the fourth relief flight hoping that his presence would make a difference and ensure that the aid would be delivered to the victims. The plane Clemente boarded had a history of mechanical problems and sub-par flight personnel, on top of already being overloaded by 4,200 pounds. Immediately after takeoff the flight crashed into the ocean off the coast of Isla Verde, Puerto Rico. Clemente’s body was never found.

Roberto Clemente finished his successful career with 3,000 hits; 166 triples; 240 homeruns; 1,305 runs batted in; and batted .317 over his 18-year career. He managed to hit an inside-the-park grand slam in his career, something that will most likely never happen again, and is one of four players to have 10 or more Gold Gloves with a lifetime batting average of .317. There is now an award in Major League Baseball called the Roberto Clemente Award; which is handed out each year to the player who best follows his example of humanitarian work. When the Pirates moved into PNC Park, they made the right field wall 21-feet tall to honour Clemente and the number he made famous.  They also placed the statue honouring him right outside the stadium on the corner nearest to the Roberto Clemente Bridge. One year after his death, Clemente was honoured once again by being elected into the Baseball Hall of Fame in Cooperstown, becoming the first person to ever be excluded from the five-year waiting period due to the situation.

Pirate fans will never forget the man who brought their city together. He gave the city something to cheer about and a reason to come out to the ballpark every night. He helped rebirth America’s Pastime in Pittsburgh and more importantly he opened the door for Hispanic players, just like Jackie Robinson did for him when he broke the colour barrier in 1946. Roberto Clemente was one of a kind. His heart was bigger than his bat ever was and he was a role model in every aspect of life. He will always be remembered by Pirates fans and baseball fans everywhere, not just for what he accomplished on the field, but for the opportunities he created off of them.

Aside from being a well-known figure in the NBA and having a top selling shoe as a member of Team Jordan, Anthony exemplifies the attributes of a positive role model through his hard work and commitment to his teammates, coaches and fans, while demonstrating the importance and relevance of community assistance and care for those less fortunate.

In 2005, the Carmelo Anthony Foundation was established as a tool in which Anthony could give back to the community through multiple outreach programs. By highlighting the importance of education, recreation and community outreach, the Carmelo Anthony Foundation works to positively impact and change the lives of those living in underserved communities. The Foundation hosts multiple charity events, fundraisers and support programs, which inspire the less fortunate to “Be More” than what their current surroundings and circumstances allow them to be.

Melo also assists in operating the Carmelo Anthony Youth Development Center located in Baltimore, Maryland. The Youth Development Center provides support for the educational and social development of disadvantaged youth, providing the opportunity to engage in various activities and programs. Many of the children come from public housing or low-income neighbourhoods which lack much of the services provided within prosperous neighbourhoods and communities. The development center provides service in five important areas: education and career development; character and civic development; health and life skills; the arts and cultural enrichment; and sports and recreation.

Anthony also gives back to where he came from as he presented a grant to his former home, Syracuse University, for a new basketball practice facility which opened September 24, 2009. Melo also blends basketball with giving as he teamed up with his former coach at Syracuse University, Jim Boeheim, and helped the Jim and Juli Boeheim Foundation in creating Courts for Kids. With the help of sponsors, the joint program builds and refurbishes old basketball courts for kids in the disadvantaged socioeconomic areas of Syracuse and Puerto Rico.

Anthony’s work was recognized in 2006 when the premier philanthropic recourse for sports and entertainment, The Giving Back Fund, ranked Carmelo in their Top 10 of the Giving Back 30 report.

With Anthony recently being dealt to the New York Knicks, speculation of his desire to leave the city of Denver has left a dark cloud over his image for some people. The fact remains evident that Carmelo Anthony works hard to better the lives of those around him on and off the court. He is an athlete who should be admired for his pride in giving back just as much as he is admired for his game on the court.

To learn more about the Carmelo Anthony Foundation, visit http://www.carmelocares.org/carmelo-anthony-foundation

In 2009, Browner started the Joey Browner Foundation with the idealization of assisting those in the community with their fundamental growth mentally, physically and spiritually. The Foundation provides the ability for fulfillment within children by offering the opportunity for them to complete their goals and dreams by giving out numerous scholarships. The scholarships cater to various interests and goals from athletic camps to educational degrees. Through filling out online applications and an essay stating their goals and hopeful achievements, candidates are then chosen and given the opportunity to reach their goal. What separates the Joey Browner Foundation from many other organizations with similar agendas are their post-scholarship requirements. Each student is required to give back what he or she has received by providing assistance within the community they come from.

Browner’s work however didn’t begin in 2009 with his Foundation, nor does it end there. Throughout his childhood, Joey’s mother was continuously involved with organizations such as the NAACP (National Association for the Advancement of Colored People) where she worked to ensure political, educational, social and economic equality of all people and the elimination of race-based discrimination. His mother’s involvement and dedication to the organization and the community connected with Joey at a young age as he too became active within the community.

Spawning from his mother’s big heart, Joey Browner has always been committed to the well-being and understanding of the Indigenous people. Over the years he has worked endlessly, filling the void within the perception and conscious misinterpretation given to those of the First Nations. Through hosting numerous camps and programs within Indigenous communities, Browner has helped in assisting the development and understanding for both the Indigenous and outside community. With the population becoming more diverse, many of those within the Indigenous community are moving out of reservations and into the city, which for many is very difficult and taunting. Through Browner’s work he has given many people a sense of companionship and stability after their move into Western Civilized cities providing them with proper education and stability to start on a level playing field.

Throughout his career Joey Browner gave it his all on the field and left everything he had out there. His drive and power made him an elite strong safety in the NFL and his heart and passion fueled his teammates around him. His life long mission to better the lives of others is as admirable as his 1,000 plus career tackles and the selflessness he portrays is beyond any reward of recognition.

To learn more about the Joey Browner Foundation, visit http://www.joeybrownerfoundation.org/index.html

Ben Roethlisberger was drafted by the Pittsburgh Steelers 11^th overall in the 2004 NFL Draft and was expected to become their franchise quarterback. When he joined the team he was the third person in line for the starting job but luckily for Roethlisberger, injuries took their toll on both Charlie Batch and Tommy Maddox; the second string and starting quarterbacks that were ahead of Roethlisberger on the Steelers depth chart. A rookie fresh out of Miami University at Ohio, ‘Big Ben’ saw a lot more action in his first season than he expected to see. He came out flying through the regular season winning all 13 games he started and finished with a personal record of 14-1 by season’s end.  Not only was his start to his career the best amongst all rookies in NFL history; Roethlisberger, along with Tommy Maddox, helped the Steelers become the first AFC team to finish with 15 wins during the regular season. In his rookie season Roethlisberger took home the 2004 AP NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year and the Diet Pepsi NFL Rookie of the Year awards.

The following season Ben Roethlisberger was named the team’s starting quarterback. When he wasn’t sidelined due to knee injuries, he helped lead the team to a 9-3 record. Without him the team was 2-2, finishing the season 11-5 which would be good enough for them to clinch the AFC wild card position. The Steelers came across the Cincinnati Bengals, Indianapolis Colts, Denver Broncos and Seattle Seahawks that year in the postseason. First they knocked off the Bengals. Trailing 17-7 after the first half, the Steelers came out flying in the second half and went on to win 31-17. The Colts were next in line. Up 21-18 late, Jerome Bettis fumbled the ball that was later scooped up by Colts defensive back Nick Harper. With nothing but the end zone in sight, Harper thought he was home free for the game winning touchdown until he was tripped up from behind by Roethlisberger; a tackle that would prove to be the game-saving play. The following week the Steelers and Roethlisberger knocked off the Denver Broncos 34-17 in the AFC Championship to book their trip to the Super Bowl. Despite having one of his worst passing games in his entire career, Roethlisberger and the Steelers were still able to come away with the Super Bowl thanks in part to the huge plays from the defensive team as they stepped up big in the Steelers 21-10 win over Seattle in Super Bowl XL. At the young age of 23, Ben Roethlisberger became the youngest quarterback in NFL history to win a Super Bowl as he surpassed Tom Brady on the list.

One thing that Big Ben does that separates him from the rest is the way he gives back to society. He helps give back to those that help keep the entire city safe. Roethlisberger is a big supporter of the police and fire department so he helps them so they can help make the quality of life better for the residents in Pittsburgh and his hometown of Findlay, Ohio. He purchases dogs and dog safety vests for the departments so they can train the service dogs and has put in more than $100,000 throughout the years. For the past five seasons, Roethlisberger has donated and helped out fire and police departments in any city that the team has traveled to throughout the season. If the Steelers make the playoffs, he then makes two more U.S. cities eligible that wouldn’t normally be eligible throughout the NFL season. Through his foundation, he has also donated money to the tsunami relief fund which he once donated an entire game cheque to the fund and helps out with anything his teammates may be up to in the city or back in their own hometown regarding their charity and/or foundation work.

In 2007, the University of Miami retired Roethlisberger’s number 7 as it was the first football number to be retired by the school in 34 years. He went on to win Super Bowl XLIII in 2008 against the Arizona Cardinals and helped the Steelers return there again this past season; although they came up short against the Green Bay Packers. He has been named to the Pro Bowl once and holds about 20 records with Miami University, 50 with the Steelers and about 10 throughout the rest of the NFL. He has had food named after him in Pittsburgh and he even has his own line of BBQ sauce. He has become one of the faces for the city of Pittsburgh and he keeps the fans happy. He gives back to the police and fire departments because they are the true heroes of the city so he knows if he helps them, he can help out everyone else in the city all at once.

To learn more about the Ben Roethlisberger Foundation, visit http://bigben7.com/the-ben-roethlisberger-foundation/