The Big Give: Beyond the Game, Athletes Give Back

February is an exciting time for many, igniting inspiration. As we enter the second month of the year, we aim to maintain a steady pace toward the finish line. It is still far away, but we are determined to take full strides toward it, and for many, the ultimate day to anticipate is a grand sports event. The Super Bowl is more than just a game on the second Sunday of the month. It is a festive occasion that brings the community together.

With so many Americans admiring famed athletes, it is good to see that many realize their superpowers are more than speed and strength. They take the admiration and shift it to philanthropic efforts. They truly know they have a position in life to bring recognition to those most in need.

Here in our fair city, two NFL teams are always on our minds – The New York Giants and New York Jets. The rivalry is put aside when the players find common ground in charitable giving. This is especially true for the men who join the NFL Legends Community, which connects former players, celebrates their accomplishments, mentors current players, and supports community service.

Since its launch, the peer-to-peer platform has developed one of the strongest brotherhoods in professional sports. Strengthening the NFL family is renowned former fullback Tony Richardson, who had remarkable seasons in the NFL with the Dallas Cowboys, Kansas City Chiefs, Minnesota Vikings, and New York Jets.

Now, Richardson is spending time with players as a revered representative of NFL Legends. He is making a difference in the lives of athletes and individuals around the country.

“We want to give back to communities no matter the situation. When NFL Legends was created, it was more so to continue giving guys who played this game a community. And I think so often when we step away from the game, you miss that camaraderie. You miss that locker room feel,” he says.

Through his coveted position, Richardson has compassionately worked with many in the organization, from Troy Vincent to Kurtis Warner and Marty Lyons, who have raised millions for children diagnosed with terminal or life-threatening diseases.

“Unfortunately, for years, you heard all the horror stories about the tragic things that would happen to players as they transitioned out the league and lost a purpose​,” Richardson adds. ​”The one thing we want to do is continue the positive storytelling aspect. And in doing so, you start realizing how many players in the NFL continue to keep giving back to their communities.”

Such is the case for Super Bowl Champion Howard Cross. Throughout his decade-plus with the NFL, he became a staple of the Giants’ offense. He was a superb blocker and is now a supreme giver to the community. His charitable endeavors include volunteer work with the enCourage Kids Foundation, NJ Autism, Autism Speaks, Kids with Cancer, and numerous hospitals, where he makes time for visits a top priority in his busy life.

With the momentous occasion of the Giants’ 100th season celebration, Cross takes pride in being a part of the franchise’s rich history. Now, the next generation of players is inspired to be a part of the legacy. This includes his son, Howard Cross III, who is following in his footsteps as he plays for the Notre Dame Fighting Irish.

“Since Howard was a young man, he was always giving back,” Cross states. “When Howard was in the 6th grade, one of the rec kids had cancer, and Howard created his own little fundraiser which raised $3,000 which went to the boy’s family for expenses. He and his twin sister, Bella, also attended the Elizabeth Glazer Pediatric Aids Foundation Kids for Kids event. They would watch me and the other athletes play with the kids, talk to the families, take photos, and sign autographs for a good cause.”

The cycle of charity in sports is constant. The power of giving was even felt in New Orleans during this Super Bowl, where several organizations collaborated with events in The Big Easy to recognize causes.

Such was the case with the Bullseye Event Group 2025 Players Tailgate. Before the big game, thousands of attendees came together for food, drinks, and pre-game NFL fireside chats. The party showcased famed chefs such as Marcus Samuelsson, Marc Murphy, Josh Capon, and Kelsey Murphy, and also focused on the work of charitable partners Food Recovery Network, Operation BBQ Relief, and the Irie Foundation.

“We’ve been doing this since the 2017 Houston Super Bowl,” said Operation BBQ Relief CEO and co-founder Stan Hays about their participation in the tailgate. “Every year, we get to come out and discuss the organization and what we’ve accomplished across the United States. It’s really special to be down here in New Orleans because we’ve provided over a million meals in Louisiana over the years.”

Even after Super Bowl champion rings are worn, athletes of all kinds in New York City will still find time to give back. This includes Jennifer Rubio, a native of the Big Apple.

“As a mountaineer and cyclist, I’ve learned that endurance, perseverance, and mental strength are everything, the avid high-altitude mountaineer, long-distance biker, and model said. “Not only in extreme environments but in life. Climbing some of the highest peaks on Earth, from South America to the Himalayas, has taught me that no challenge is insurmountable when you commit to something greater than yourself. That same mindset fuels philanthropy.”

She started the USA branch of Humanosh, a non-profit dedicated to supporting refugees and organizing medical and humanitarian missions.

“Right now, we’re focused on Ukraine and Afghanistan, and I’ve seen firsthand how even small efforts can change lives. I believe the real measure of success is how much you give back. Athletes, with our resilience and drive, have the power to do just that.”