Los Angeles Rams offensive lineman Andrew Whitworth celebrated his birthday by putting a smile on nearly 600 young faces.
The All-Pro left tackle bought 600 bikes and helmets for the students at Grape Street Elementary School in Los Angeles.
Whitworth, who turned 36 on Tuesday, spoke to the kids, from kindergarten to fifth grade about character and integrity at a school assembly before giving them their new wheels.
“To personally, yourself, put your money where your mouth is and what you believe in, I think it lets the kids know that you’re not just saying something because you’re told to be there,” Whitworth said to the Los Angeles Times. “It’s actually what you believe in, you’re putting your stamp on it.”
That moment when @awhitworth77 surprises all 590 students at Grape Street Elementary with brand new bikes + helmets ❤️
Photo gallery 📸 » https://t.co/Gjsy44wOfz pic.twitter.com/umSiW0h6aM
— Los Angeles Rams (@RamsNFL) December 12, 2017
Whitworth’s words and actions touched the heart of Grape Street Elementary School Principle Keith Nakano.
“For the children, it really means a lot to them, not often are they touched by sports players coming to a school site and really spending their personal time,” Nakano said to the Los Angeles Times. “It means a lot.”
Rams LT Andrew Whitworth just bought a bike – 550 – for every kid at Grape Street Elementary in Watts. pic.twitter.com/UFCMfZhH7K
— Lindsey Thiry (@LindseyThiry) December 12, 2017
This isn’t the first time Whitworth has been generous with his funds. In October, he donated $10,000 to Rams quarterback Jared Goff’s GoFundMe Fundraiser to the families effected in the wildfires in Northern California.
Back on the field, the Rams (9-4) have their toughest road test of the season facing the Seattle Seahawks (8-5) on Sunday at 4:05 ET.