Philadelphia's Chris Long Named Week 2 NFLPA Community MVP

PHILADELPHIA’S CHRIS LONG NAMED WEEK 2 NFLPA COMMUNITY MVP
Eagles defender pledged six game checks to fund new scholarship program in Charlottesville

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Chris Long has been named Week 2 NFLPA Community MVP for his ongoing efforts to enhance the lives of others through programs focused on youth, clean water, military appreciation and homelessness.

Following last month’s violent protests led by hate groups in his hometown of Charlottesville, the 10-year veteran was inspired to start a scholarship program promoting educational equality in that same community. On Sept. 19, Long pledged to donate his first six games checks of this season to fund two scholarships at his Charlottesville high school alma mater, St. Anne’s-Belfield School, in conjunction with the Boys & Girls Club of Central Virginia.

The seven-year scholarships will be distributed through the Chris Long Foundation, an organization that has dedicated itself to supporting bright futures for communities and the individuals that live in them. Long and his wife, Megan, hope that their investment into the community will help enlighten and educate its youth, which in turn will produce equality and social justice for all.

“It's a great honor to be named NFLPA Community MVP,” Long said. “So many of my peers from around the league do so much in their respective communities on a daily basis. To be mentioned among them is exciting for myself and The Chris Long Foundation. Football has given us a tremendous platform and resources to make the most of this platform, and I'll always do my best to be worthy of receiving those gifts. We will be sure to put the generous gift of $10,000 to great use."

The scholarship program, which marks the second educational opportunity he has funded for a St. Anne’s-Belfield School student, is yet another example of Long’s heart for service and greater good. After witnessing the suffering in Tanzania due to a lack of clean water while climbing Mount Kilimanjaro in 2013, Long started Waterboys, dedicated to raising funds and awareness for clean water in East Africa. The initiative has become the staple of The Chris Long Foundation, which was started in 2015. Since then, the organization has created youth programs in St. Louis and Charlottesville and supported both the homeless and military communities.

In honor of Long being named this week's Community MVP, the NFLPA will make a $10,000 contribution to his foundation or charity of choice along with an in-kind donation to him on behalf of our supporting partner Delta Private Jets. Long, along with the other 2017 Community MVPs, will also become eligible for this year’s Byron Whizzer White Award, which is the highest honor that the NFLPA can bestow upon a player.

The NFLPA Community MVP program recognizes NFL players who are making a positive impact in their local communities. Each week during the regular season, the NFLPA will celebrate one NFL player* who has demonstrated a commitment to giving back to his community. Please visit our website to read more about the program as well as the current and past winners.

*To be eligible for the Community MVP award, a player must be a dues-paying member of the NFLPA and either on a current NFL roster or actively seeking employment as a free agent.

2017 Community MVPs:

• Week 0: J.J. Watt (Houston Texans)
• Week 1: Colin Kaepernick

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