Where I’m from, there are a few things you just don’t do. You don’t talk back to your mother. You don’t take the weatherman at his word (no matter what he said, the weather will change in 15 minutes). And you don’t support any Pittsburgh Steelers, especially if a particular Steeler played college ball at Michigan.
Well, I’ll be doing my penance in no time, I’m sure.
Steelers linebacker and former Wolverine LaMarr Woodley is giving back to his old neighborhood. The Saginaw, MI native is donating over $60,000 (or roughly 75% of one of his game checks) to the Saginaw Public Schools athletic department so that students can participate in athletics for free this coming school year. The school system was set to enact a “pay-to-play” system due to budget cuts that would have required students to pay $75 each to participate.
This awesome gesture not only helps many kids and their families, but also allows students to reap all of the benefits that go along with playing sports. It teaches people that giving back to your community is cool. Not enough people take pride in their neighborhood; Woodley’s donation gives people a reason to take pride in their community, no matter what kind of salary they pull down. Hopefully, Woodley’s action will inspire the city of Saginaw and others who are moved by his giving spirit.