Philadelphia Eagles defensive lineman Chris Long will donate the rest of his salary to increase educational equality.
The 10 game check donation is in addition to the 6 game checks he previously donated to fund scholarships in his hometown of Charlottesville, Virginia.
All the funds will go to education-based causes because Long believes education is the key to building a bright future that produces social equality. It’s an act his teammate Malcolm Jenkins applauded on twitter.
My man @JOEL9ONE I salute you brother! Keep being a great example! 🙌🏾 https://t.co/FiQpWUhWdm
— Malcolm Jenkins (@MalcolmJenkins) October 18, 2017
This past offseason, Long signed a two-year, $4.5 million contract with the Eagles, including a $500,000 signing bonus and $1.5 million guaranteed. His base salary in 2017 is $1 million. Under the Chris Long Foundation, Long Launched the Pledge 10 for Tomorrow campaign to encourage fans, businesses and every person with a desire to join in his pursuit of equal education opportunities for all students to make a donation. The goal is that Long’s donation will be matched by pledges made by those inspired to join the effort.
“In my 10th year, I want to celebrate the awesome opportunity I’ve had to play football by giving back to the communities that have given me that gift,” said Long. “Educational opportunity and equity are the best gateway to a better tomorrow for everyone in America.”
Long’s foundation will supports four organizations where he has played in his NFL career in St. Louis, Missouri, Boston, Massachusetts, and Philadelphia.
The #Pledge10 campaign was launched in hopes of inspiring others to be a part of the change set forth in Long’s mission of spreading educational equity.
“By joining forces we will have the power to make a bigger impact and create a rich, educated culture for all of our youth,” said Long. “These kids will be the kids that can propel positive change in their communities.”
The act of Long also highlights what Jesus said in the ending of Acts 20:35, “It is more blessed to give than to receive.”
Watch below to hear Long share in more depth why he decided to donate all of his game checks for the rest of this season.
Hear from @JOEL9ONE on his decision to donate all of his game checks for the 2017 season to support educational equality. pic.twitter.com/uh1GqiEoH0
— Philadelphia Eagles (@Eagles) October 18, 2017
Chris has also been very involved in his “Waterboys” project to bring clean water to East Africa. Click below to read more from a June 2017 Sports Spectrum article.
