One of the NFL’s best defensive players just made another huge impact, but this time it happened off the field. Myles Garrett, All-Pro edge rusher for the Cleveland Browns is known for terrorizing opposing teams and giving offensive coaches nightmares. But he just made a statement that will make even quarterbacks stand up and applaud. Garett gave back to the university that was so instrumental in building the career of the star athlete, but not in the way you think.
Garrett donated $25,000 to Hampton University, the private HBCU in Virginia. Garrett never attended Hampton, the All-American went to Texas A&M where he became the first overall draft selection in 2017. But Hampton still is a crucial part of the Garrett legacy. That is because his Mother, Audrey, attended the university on a track and field scholarship and went on to become an All-American. She is active in the Delta Sigma Theta Sorority and is a doctoral candidate in strategic leadership and currently is a part of the Southern University Law Center.
Garrett was at the university on a panel with Brandon Martin, CEO of Johnson Energy Storage. The panel targeted students to inspire them to pursue STEM and academic paths. “Always continue to grow,” said Garrett to the students. “Love what you do, find what you are passionate about.” The donation signals not only an appreciation for his mother’s influence and collegiate success, but also the belief that greatness from the next generation can come from anywhere.
For as productive and special Garrett has shown to be on the field, his commitment to excellence and raising the bar for those around him has extended to off of it for the entirety of his career. Philanthropy has always been a part of the NFL superstar’s life. In 2020, the Cleveland Browns voted him the team winner for the Walter Payton Man of the Year award, an honor given to the player that exhibited excellence as a player between the lines and also their influence and goodwill in the community.
Let us hope that Garrett’s continued pursuit of greatness as an athlete as well as a human being inspires others to give back and devote some time and effort into making their own communities a better place.