Joe Burrow announced that he has partnered with the Athens County Food Pantry, already beginning to leave his mark on the community.
When Joe Burrow took the stage back in December to accept his Heisman Trophy, his hometown was weighing heavily on his mind. In a heartfelt speech, he brought attention to the poverty rate in some areas of Southeast Ohio, an action that resulted in over $150,000 in donations to the Athens County Food Pantry.
Now, the face of the Cincinnati Bengals’ franchise has partnered with them to establish the Joe Burrow Hunger Relief Fund. The Foundation for Appalachian Ohio has stated that the money will go towards “providing supplemental and emergency food aid to residents of Athens County, Ohio who find themselves in need.”
It should come as no surprise that Burrow has already begun to leave his mark on the community. Throughout the pre-draft process, he seemed intent on speaking his mind on topics that he felt strongly about and it’s something he’s already done since being selected first overall.
The Bengals’ community leaders
The Queen City is no stranger to seeing Bengals players make significant positive impacts in the community.
Before his tenure in Cincinnati ended, quarterback Andy Dalton and his wife, JJ, built a foundation that helped countless pediatric patients and their families.
Defensive end Carlos Dunlap launched an anti-bullying campaign, making stops in various cities that the team traveled to during the regular season to discuss the topic with local children.
Defensive tackle Geno Atkins was named the week 15 NFLPA Community MVP for his “Atkins week of giving”, which involved Christmas gifts, donations, dental services, and charitable events, according to the team website.
The impact and significance that Joe Burrow and the others mentioned have between the lines cannot be understated but they are proving to make just as big of a difference off the field as they are on it.