Charity Corner: Third and Long Foundation with the New York Jets’ Santonio Holmes

Jul 28, 2013; Cortland, NY, USA; New York Jets wide receiver Santonio Holmes (10) stretches during training camp practice at SUNY Cortland. Mandatory Credit: Rich Barnes-USA TODAY Sports

Here is a new column for all of you to sink your teeth into a bit.

We live in a time when only the worst is talked about, when it comes to our NFL players. We hear about arrests, family problems, drugs..etc. We never hear about anything good that the current NFL players do. So with that in mind, each week, we are going to spotlight a member of the Jets, and take a look at the good things they are doing, in the “Charity Corner”.

First up is Santonio Holmes.

He found the “Third and Long Foundation” in 2011, with the plan to eradicate Sickle Cell Disease, and to assist families that been affected by the problem. He can, unfortunately, relate:

“As a parent of someone who has been diagnosed with SCD, I know how financially expensive and emotionally taxing the hospital bills and medication can be. My goal is to help families that cannot afford the proper treatments by providing grants to organizations that assist these families.”

They raise most of their funds through the events they hold. Santonio holds a bowling event each year, which many of the players join him for. A great night is had by all there.

This year, they also co-hosted a Flag Football tournament, which many of you will remember that I attended prior to training camp. Santonio showed us all how great a guy he is that day, interacting with fans, including an elderly gentleman in a wheelchair, and paying for the medical expenses for the player that was injured.

For more information, check out the Third and Long foundation’s website.