Big League Philanthropist

We're back with another episode of the Big League Philanthropist! Danielle sits down with Ben Troupe, former NFL tight end for the Tennessee Titans, now an ESPN radio host, motivational speaker, author and a philanthropist, creating the Uncommon Cru. They discuss Ben's love of philanthropy, what inspired him to launch the Uncommon Cru and his "why" when it comes to making an impact. They also talk about the other projects he's has been up to, like his book, Uncommon and Unfinished, and working for ESPN Radio in the Coastal Georgia region. Danielle and Ben also chat about the work that goes into creating a nonprofit. You can follow Ben and what he is up to on all social media platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter at @bentroupe84! Ben's latest book, Uncommon and Unfinished is out now and you can get it directly from his website at www.bentroupe84.com or anywhere you buy your books. You can listen to Ben shoot the breeze about football and other topics that he is fired up about on ESPN Coastal every day, Monday thru Friday from 3pm to 6pm. You can listen at the link here! 

In this week's roundup of articles from the world of athlete activism and sports philanthropy, Danielle highlights a new NIL deal signed to support Make-A-Wish Foundation, an update from the NFL's Inspire Change Initiative, how vaccine mandates are shaking up the world of tennis, and the impact Venus Williams has made on and off the tennis court.  Follow us on twitter @bigleaguephil and on instagram @bigleaguephilanthropist, and follow our parent company @tacklewhatsnext on any platform! Featured Articles: Chris Dickerson Leads Third Annual Beach Cleanup in Dominican Republic with Fellow Athletes Year 3 of Future Goals Most Valuable Teacher Program Presented by SAP Hits the Ice NBA veteran Etan Thomas pens another powerful book UPDATED: Oklahoma QB Nick Evers Sending NIL Money to Charity to 'Help Make a Difference in the World' NFL collectively celebrates Inspire Change initiative in-season Novak Djokovic Is Refused Entry Into Australia Over Vaccine Exemption Amid a Victorious Career, Venus Williams Is Paying Her Vision Forward

In this week's roundup of articles from the world of athlete activism and sports philanthropy, Danielle highlights the impact of diplomatic boycotts on Beijing 2022, a new NIL deal aimed to direct college players to give back to the community, the new ALL CAPS ALL HER initiative from the Washington Capitals, and the NFL's 2021 Walter Payton Man of the Year nominees.   Follow us on twitter @bigleaguephil and on instagram @bigleaguephilanthropist, and follow our parent company @tacklewhatsnext on any platform! Featured Articles: Bills Mafia donates $40K to visually impaired charity in honor of 'blind' NFL refs after no-call Lions’ Trey Flowers moderates panel on mass incarceration, systemic racism U.S. officials to boycott Beijing Olympics over rights 'atrocities' The GIST: Sunday Scroll: The Olympics boycotts continue New NIL Program To Give Texas Offensive Lineman $50K To Play In Austin Washington Capitals making way for women, girls in hockey NFL's 2021 Walter Payton Man of the Year Award: Dak Prescott, Darren Waller among 32 nominees

Welcome back to the Big League Philanthropist! On this episode, Danielle sits down with Chineze ("Chinny") Nwagbo, who is the interim director at PeacePlayers Baltimore. They reflect on Chinny's journey as a high school basketball prodigy to an international basketball star. They also chat about Chinny's transition from the basketball court to governmental affairs working with the U.S. Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs Sports Diplomacy program. Chinny is currently doing amazing work with PeacePlayers, like hosting the Play It Forward Podcast, and she elaborates on what they do to help underserved communities in the Baltimore region. If you want to learn more about the Play It Forward Podcast and about PeacePlayers US you can visit their website here. Please give Chinny a follow on Instagram at @chinny_n to see her journey working with PeacePlayers and give the org a follow as well at @peaceplayers_us! You can also follow PeacePlayers on Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn. 

In this week's roundup of articles from the world of athlete activism and sports philanthropy, Danielle highlights the WTA making an important statement and pulling tournaments out of China, major moments in Jewish sports history, two NFL players making an impact in their communities, and the current state of mental health awareness in the NFL.  Follow us on twitter @bigleaguephil and on instagram @bigleaguephilanthropist, and follow our parent company @tacklewhatsnext on any platform! Featured Articles: WTA suspends China tournaments amid concern for Peng Shuai Do Sports Still Need China? The GIST: Major Moments in Jewish Sports History Stephen Curry and Lee Elder join forces to inspire more Black golfers Ronnie Stanley Launches Foundation Matching Dogs With People in Need NFL Cornerback Jonathan Jones Supports Youth Coding Challenge, Forms $20,000 STEM Scholarship Pushed by Players, the N.F.L. Works to Embrace Mental Health Support the family of Katie-Jay Scott & iAct: Go Fund Me Page for her family Donate to iAct

Welcome back to the Big League Philanthropist! This episode, Danielle sits down with Clayton Frech, the founder of Angel City Sports to discuss his journey to founding the organization and how his son, Ezra was his inspiration to do so. They also chat about Ezra's journey to becoming a Paralympian and the vision and mission of Angel City Sports to provide adaptive sports opportunities for kids, veterans, and adults. Thank you Clayton for coming on the podcast to share your story of founding such an impactful organization! Be sure to subscribe and listen to Clayton's podcast on Spotify, Sports Saved My Life, where Clayton chats with Paralympians and adaptive athletes who share how sports saved their lives. And if you want to learn more about Angel City Sports, you can visit their website at www.angelcitysports.org. You can also follow Angel City Sports on Instagram at @angelcitysports, on Twitter @angelcitysports, and on LinkedIn and Facebook. Support the family of Katie-Jay Scott & iAct:  Go Fund Me Page for her family Donate to iAct

All of us at the Big League Philanthropist are saddened by the tragic passing of Katie-Jay Scott and her husband Gabe. Katie-Jay Scott was the Executive Director of iAct and an incredible philanthropist. She and her husband leave behind three children and countless refugee families supported through iAct. We had the pleasure to interview Katie-Jay on Season 2 of BLP and her passion was contagious.  Please consider donating to support her children as they navigate this unfathomable loss at this Go Fund Me page. And please keep Katie-Jay and her husband's dreams of ensuring refugees are not forgotten alive by donating to support iAct and their mission. 

In this week's roundup of articles from the world of athlete activism and sports philanthropy, Danielle highlights the disappearance of Peng Shuai, the conflict surrounding the Beijing 2022 Winter Olympics, athletes using their platforms to raise awareness of Julius Jones' case, and the new framework adopted by the IOC around inclusion and non discrimination for elite level athletes.   Follow us on twitter @bigleaguephil and on instagram @bigleaguephilanthropist, and follow our parent company @tacklewhatsnext on any platform! Featured Articles: Browns cornerback Greg Newsome II is no rookie to giving back A.J. Brown's Powerful Message about Mental Health and Self-Harm NBA Players Win. Julius Jones Sentence Commuted ESPN, Doc Wayne and The Village Team Up to Expand Mental Health Services for Youth A Chinese Tennis Star Accuses a Former Top Leader of Sexual Assault WTA seeks full, fair and transparent investigation into sexual assault allegations against former Chinese leader Opinion: Biden administration soon to announce diplomatic boycott of the Beijing Olympics Axios Sports Newsletter: 🇨🇳 Olympics sponsors caught between U.S. and China Athlete Ally: Groundbreaking IOC Framework Centers Inclusion and Non-Discrimination The GIST: Sunday Scroll - Time for Change

In this week's roundup of articles from the world of athlete activism and sports philanthropy, Danielle highlights the inaugural Laureus & Sports Pro Sports For Good Index, the US news interest shift from politics to sports, three steps sports organizations can take to prepare for climate change, and the WNBPA partnering with Pepsi Stronger Together to support local causes with players.  Follow us on twitter @bigleaguephil and on instagram @bigleaguephilanthropist, and follow our parent company @tacklewhatsnext on any platform! Featured Articles: Front Office Sports on LinkedIn: Najee Harris Renovates Homeless Shelter Where He Once Lived The Earl Monroe New Renaissance Basketball School 17th Annual Charity Sports Auction Goes Hybrid, Begins Nov. 20 Marcus Rashford: Manchester United And England Forward Awarded MBE At Windsor Castle For Charity Campaign Laureus & Sports Pro Present: The Sport For Good Index Playbook Insights | Three steps to begin the climate change battle Americans now want to read about sports, not politics The WNBA players union is kicking off a partnership with Pepsi to back local causes 'the players care about' Aaron Rodgers addresses last week's COVID-19 comments: 'I’m an athlete, I’m not an activist'

In this week's roundup of articles from the world of athlete activism and sports philanthropy, Danielle highlights NCAA student-athletes and coaches focusing on civic engagement, history being made with all five major mens sports having openly gay players competing, the importance of investment in youth sports, and the winners of The Foundation for Global Sports Development's 2021 Athletes in Excellence Award.  Follow us on twitter @bigleaguephil and on instagram @bigleaguephilanthropist, and follow our parent company @tacklewhatsnext on any platform! Featured Articles: #AllVoteNoPlay Playbook Denver Nuggets Host Do All You Can Food Drive on November 10th Ten Athletes Selected to Receive The Foundation for Global Sports Development’s 2021 Athletes in Excellence Award Australia’s Josh Cavallo becomes first openly gay current top-flight soccer player Racing Louisville to be first NWSL team to provide players with health benefits for fertility services How 'The Kaepernick Effect' has propelled a new generation of athletes to take a stand against racial injustice Why the Coach Next Door is More Important is More Important Than You Think The GIST: Sunday Scroll: On your mark, get set, topple the patriarchy

In this week's roundup of articles from the world of athlete activism and sports philanthropy, Danielle highlights the WNBA continuing to lead the way in advocating for social justice and for their own rights, the NFL's toxic culture rearing it's head again, the NHL world rocked by a sexual assault coverup, and China continuing to be a tricky problem for sports business.  Follow us on twitter @bigleaguephil and on instagram @bigleaguephilanthropist, and follow our parent company @tacklewhatsnext on any platform! Featured Articles: Tennessee Titans Partner with Mars Petcare Cardinals TE Zach Ertz to give 5,000 meals per TD to Arizona food banks 5x World Medalist Gymnast Morgan Hurd Talks Social Justice & Embracing Identity On And Off The Mat Player Profile: Kareem Jackson has drive on and off the football field WNBA Players to Get Free Fertility Testing, Reproductive Support WNBA players, America’s leading sports activists, have Texas in their crosshairs Jon Gruden's fall is a warning to the NFL B***khawks' sexual abuse case explained: A timeline of the allegations and everything else you need to know Beijing Olympics Sponsors' $110 Billion Problem Boston Celtics star slams China’s Xi over Tibet, Tencent scraps team’s NBA broadcast NFL, players agree to end ‘race-norming’ in $1B settlement

Welcome back to the Big League Philanthropist podcast! On this episode, Danielle sits down with John Balkam, Founder of the Third Win Group (TWG) to discuss his journey from being an athlete to now running his own agency focused on social good. They also talk about the importance of business that makes the world better. John has some great advice for athletes who are looking to build a brand based on purpose and impact that you won't want to miss! For those who are looking to learn more about John's story and about the Third Win Group, you can visit their website at thirdwin.com. You can also give the Third Win Group a follow on LinkedIn and on Instagram, @thirdwingroup. Thank you for supporting this podcast and feel free to share this episode with someone that may be interested in our conversation with John! 

Welcome back to the Big League Philanthropist podcast! In this episode, Danielle sits down with Jordan Marie Brings Three White Horses Daniel – Kul Wičasa Lakota, a citizen of Kul Wicasa Oyate (Lower Brule Sioux Tribe) and founder of Rising Hearts to discuss the impact of intersectionality and creating change in the spaces you take up.  Rising Hearts is an organization dedicated to raising the voices of Indigenous Peoples while also promoting intersectionality to create change. Jordan is a professional runner and has been using that platform to create change through several initiatives, including the #RunningForJustice campaign that has become an intersecting effort to raise awareness for Black lives, Asian lives, Indigenous lives, and all of those who are impacted by white supremacy and systems of oppression. You can follow along with Jordan and her journey by following on Instagram at @nativein_la and @rising_hearts and check out Jordan's website HERE! Thank you all for listening to this episode and be sure to share this episode with someone who may enjoy this conversation between Danielle and Jordan.

In this week's roundup of articles from the world of athlete activism and sports philanthropy, Danielle highlights the athletes advocating for abortion rights, NWSL players speaking out after years of ignored sexual harassment, Front Office Sports on the importance of activism to NIL deals, and how Players for the Planet is making an environmental impact with major leaguers. Follow us on twitter @bigleaguephil and on instagram @bigleaguephilanthropist, and follow our parent company @tacklewhatsnext on any platform! Featured Articles: Utah Jazz All-Star Donovan Mitchell is Delivering $1M Assist to Teachers How Travis Kelce has used his record-setting play at tight end to raise money for underprivileged youth First Arab-American Female NASCAR Racer Paves Way For Next Generation Of Women Drivers, Lands Major Sponsor Syracuse, MEAC agree to 10-year partnership on and off field Assists to Activism: Trae Young's Leadership Bigger Than Basketball Adidas Sustainable NHL Jerseys For 2021-22 Season Introducing Vox’s new HBO show, Level Playing Field Anatomy of an NFL Good Deed-Doer: Kelvin Beachum Works to End Hunger, Clean the Ocean, Educate Kids, and, Oh Yeah, Win a Super Bowl Megan Rapinoe, other women athletes back abortion rights at US Supreme Court TODAY Show Twitter: Watch @SavannahGuthrie’s full interview with soccer stars Mana Shim, Sinead Farrelly and Alex Morgan on the sexual abuse allegations rocking the National Women's Soccer League FOS College - Importance of Activism in NIL The Environment Affects Baseball. These Players Want to Help.

In this episode of Big League Philanthropist, Danielle speaks with Mechelle Freeman, the founder of TrackGirlz. They speak about her experience as an Olympian, her journey to creating TrackGirlz and the work they do using track and field to inspire young girls to be the best version of themselves while also giving them strong, female role models.  Make sure to follow Mechelle and her incredible journey with TrackGirlz on Instagram at @trackgirlz, on Facebook at @TrackGirlz, and on Twitter @TrackGirlzOrg. 

La Faye Baker is a professional stunt woman and stunt coordinator and the Founder of Diamond in the RAW. La Faye has made her mark in the community through her continued work in educating, inspiring, and encouraging the youth. Be sure to follow La Faye on Instagram @bakerlafaye and Facebook at La Faye Baker, and Diamond in the RAW on Instagram @ditrfoundation and Twitter @DiamondintheRAW and visit their website https://www.diamondintheraw.org/ to learn more about how you can help!

In this week's roundup of articles from the world of athlete activism and sports philanthropy, Danielle highlights the sports world reflecting 20 years post 9/11, a huge loss for Boston school sports, a pro soccer star speaking out about women's rights and sports in wake of the Taliban takeover in Afghanistan, sustainable projects taking over international soccer and a new reality show competition that is making many people shake their heads.  Follow us on twitter @bigleaguephil and on instagram @bigleaguephilanthropist, and follow our parent company @tacklewhatsnext on any platform! Featured Articles: ESPN.com - How 9/11 continues to resonate throughout college football 20 years later The Boston Globe - A loss for Boston school sports: Major support program shutters Essex News Daily - Malcolm Jenkins Foundation and Newark Public Schools announce partnership CNN.com - Nadia Nadim: 'I'm actually the picture of everything the Taliban don't want their women to be' GoodGoodGood.co - This UK Soccer Club is Trialing Edible Coffee Cups OutSports.com - Each of America’s big 5 sports currently has an out gay man in the pros. That’s never happened Impact on Instagram - What are your thoughts on #TheActivist?

In this week's roundup of articles from the world of athlete activism and sports philanthropy, Danielle highlights some Paralympic updates, the proposed settlement from USA Gymnastics, Steph and Ayesha Curry investing in women's sports, Venus Williams supporting fans mental health and Layshia Clarendon tackling the stigma of periods in sports.  Follow us on twitter @bigleaguephil and on instagram @bigleaguephilanthropist, and follow our parent company @tacklewhatsnext on any platform! Featured Articles: Real Sports with Bryant Gumbel: Oksana Masters | Official Clip | HBO Afghan Paralympians to compete in Tokyo after evacuation Tokyo Paralympics 2020: Indian athletes make history Naomi Osaka on Twitter U.S.A. Gymnastics and Abuse Survivors Propose a $425 Million Payout Stephen Curry, wife Ayesha donate undisclosed amount for new women's sports scholarship at Davidson Better Help x Venus Williams Layshia Clarendon on Periods in Sports, Stigma, and Activism Product Innovation and Resources to Help Those Who Menstruate Stay in Play

In this week's roundup of articles from the world of athlete activism and sports philanthropy, Danielle highlights historic representation from the Paralympic Games in Tokyo, the NBA prioritizing social justice for players, Colin Kaepernick's new children's book, and the WNBA being recognized for their unprecedented impact on the community.  Follow us on twitter @bigleaguephil and on instagram @bigleaguephilanthropist, and follow our parent company @tacklewhatsnext on any platform! Featured Articles: ‘I Felt Like I Wasn’t An Elite Athlete’: Tatyana McFadden On Why Paralympic Representation Is Crucial Tokyo Paralympic Games welcomes record number of LGBTQ athletes The Gist Special Edition: 🤔 History of the Paralympic Games FSU’s Dillan Gibbons partners with GoFundMe opening door for creation of his own nonprofit ‘Their lives are in danger’: Afghanistan’s female athletes sound alarm after Taliban takeover Women's national team players leave Afghanistan on evacuation flight Colin Kaepernick Set To Release His First Children’s Book, ‘I Color Myself Different’ NBA, NBPA add social justice panel to Rookie Transition Program How the Colombia football jersey became a symbol of protest How The WNBA Became The World’s Most Community Focused Sports League

In this week's roundup of articles from the world of athlete activism and sports philanthropy, Danielle highlights Olympians making an impact outside of the games, the launch of the new Center for Healing & Justice Through Sport, the Taliban takeover's impact on sports, and another example of NIL for good.  Follow us on twitter @bigleaguephil and on instagram @bigleaguephilanthropist, and follow our parent company @tacklewhatsnext on any platform! Featured Articles: Simone Biles is an Olympic hero unlike any athlete we’ve ever seen The IOC’s response to Raven Saunders exposes its hypocrisy around ‘political neutrality’ Goals: Megan Rapinoe launches ‘The Call In’ book club How A’ja Wilson’s Dyslexia Is Helping Her Build Her Off-Court Legacy "The True Value of a Medal Always Remains In the Heart" - Religion of Sports The Center For Healing & Justice Through Sport Launches With Trauma-Informed Coaching for Youth 1 big thing: 🇦🇫 Taliban takeover threatens sports Dak Prescott’s Heal Turn FSU's Gibbons uses NIL for good: "I’m going to take this thing as far as I possibly can.”

In this week's roundup of articles from the world of athlete activism and sports philanthropy, Danielle highlights the new Protect Our People campaign from More Than a Vote, Lewis Hamilton's new charitable foundation, the divide over transgender athletes in the Olympics, the strength of Simone Biles and IOC sponsors facing heat about the 2022 Beijing Winter Olympics.  Follow us on twitter @bigleaguephil and on instagram @bigleaguephilanthropist, and follow our parent company @tacklewhatsnext on any platform! Featured Articles: A voting rights group backed by athletes launches a campaign focused on criminal justice reform. Meek Mill, Natasha Cloud join 'Protect Our People' initiative calling for police reform at federal level Lewis Hamilton launches Mission 44 charitable foundation with personal pledge of £20m Exclusive poll: The deep divide over trans athletes in Olympics Olympian Simone Biles Wants A Sponsor That Will Help Her Do Good—And She's Not The Only One Simone Biles’s Olympic withdrawal opens a new chapter on the discourse around athletes and their mental health IOC sponsors facing heat over Beijing Olympics, human rights

In this week's roundup of articles from the world of athlete activism and sports philanthropy, Danielle highlights Buddy Boeheim using the power of NIL for good, Luke Prokop making history in gender equity for the NHL, and all things activism and the Olympics.  Follow us on twitter @bigleaguephil and on instagram @bigleaguephilanthropist, and follow our parent company @tacklewhatsnext on any platform! Featured Articles: Syracuse’s Buddy Boeheim to donate NIL earnings to charity Luke Prokop becomes first player on NHL contract to come out as gay LeBron James' company claims the Olympics is 'silencing athletes' because rules ban political protests during medal ceremonies IOC to include athletes kneeling in official highlight reels, social media after images excluded on Day 1 of Tokyo Games Tommie Smith, John Carlos, Gwen Berry among athletes to sign letter demanding IOC change Olympic protest rule US Paralympic athletes will receive equal pay for the first time at the Tokyo Olympics Swimmer didn’t bring her nursing baby to the Olympics, citing impractical rules GLAAD, Athlete Ally, and Pride House Tokyo Release Media Guide for Covering LGBTQ Athletes at the 2020 Olympics and Paralympics

In this week's roundup of articles from the world of athlete activism and sports philanthropy, Danielle highlights the ESPY winners making an impact, the positive response to racism towards England players over the Euro Cup, the MLB's historic deal with the Players Alliance, and Allyson Felix's work to support equity for athlete moms. Follow us on twitter @bigleaguephil and on instagram @bigleaguephilanthropist, and follow our parent company @tacklewhatsnext on any platform! Featured Articles:  ESPY Award winners 2021: Full results, highlights, best moments from the ESPYs ESPN Twitter: Maya Moore's ESPYs Acceptance Speech Laurent Duvernay-Tardif wins Muhammad Ali Sports Humanitarian Award at 2021 ESPYs ESPYS Twitter: Marcus Rashford Receives the ESPYs' Pat Tillman Award for Service - the Story Laurent Duvernay-Tardif, Atlanta Dream and Arthur Blank Among Honorees at 2021 Sports Humanitarian Awards Togethxr Twitter: Paige Bueckers' ESPYs Acceptance Speech Petition for lifetime ban from football matches for racists nears 1m signatures Online racists face football ban of up to 10 years, vows Boris Johnson MLB commits up to $150M to Players Alliance Stick to sports? Here's what could happen to Olympians who protest at Tokyo Games Allyson Felix strives for Olympic gold and equality for mothers — ‘There is still a really long way to go’

In this week's roundup of articles from the world of athlete activism and sports philanthropy, Danielle highlights the need for more mental health resources for NCAA athletes, the Olympics facing issues around a lack of equity and inclusion for black women athletes, Carmelo Anthony's impact work and how football fans can support climate change efforts.  Follow us on twitter @bigleaguephil and on instagram @bigleaguephilanthropist, and follow our parent company @tacklewhatsnext on any platform! And register for our upcoming Athlete Impact Summit THIS Thursday, July 15th for free here! Featured Articles: As NIL Grabs Headlines, NCAA Athletes Urge More Mental Health Aid Naomi Osaka Gets Candid About the Pressures of Attention and Activism in New Netflix Docuseries Olympics Allows Protests, but Not During Events or on Medals Stand Tommie Smith believes the time is right for athletes to protest at Tokyo Olympics Black women athletes are still being scrutinized ahead of the Olympics despite their successes Black Female Athletes Score for Activism Carmelo Anthony of Portland Trail Blazers wins Kareem Abdul-Jabbar Social Justice Champion award Could mobilising football fans be a key climate action strategy?

In this week's roundup of articles from the world of athlete activism and sports philanthropy, Danielle highlights transgender athletes and the Olympics, the bravery of Carl Nassib and Kumi Yokoyama in each speaking their truth, the WNBA women of the Jordan Brand, Torrey Smith and Aaron Maybin's new leadership academy in Baltimore, the state of diversity and inclusion in the NHL, and how activism is moving to political action from NBA superstars.   Follow us on twitter @bigleaguephil and on instagram @bigleaguephilanthropist, and follow our parent company @tacklewhatsnext on any platform! And register for our upcoming Athlete Impact Summit here! Featured Articles: New Zealand weightlifter Laurel Hubbard is first openly transgender athlete selected to compete at the Olympics Transgender Runner CeCe Telfer Will Not Be Allowed To Compete In U.S. Olympic Trials Carl Nassib on Instagram: For more information on the life-saving work and resources of The Trevor Project click the link in my bio 🏳️‍🌈 Raiders’ Carl Nassib Announces He’s Gay, an N.F.L. First Washington Spirit soccer player Kumi Yokoyama comes out as trans ‘We don’t take this for granted’: The Black women reppin’ the Jordan Brand in the WNBA Torrey Smith Launches Leadership Academy in West Baltimore The NHL’s slow skate toward change Can NBA Players Become Politicians?

In this week's roundup of articles from the world of athlete activism and sports philanthropy, Danielle highlights the recent news around race-norming in the NFL that has been largely ignored, and why it's important we learn more and hold the NFL accountable to make changes. Follow us on twitter @bigleaguephil and on instagram @bigleaguephilanthropist, and follow our parent company @tacklewhatsnext on any platform! Featured Articles: Sunday Scroll: Race-norming in the NFL

In this week's roundup of articles from the world of athlete activism and sports philanthropy, Danielle highlights Warrick Dunn's work to combat housing inequality, the first trans athlete to compete for Team USA, hockey's The Carnegie Initiative to support diversity and inclusion and how taking a knee is viewed by football fans across Europe.  Follow us on twitter @bigleaguephil and on instagram @bigleaguephilanthropist, and follow our parent company @tacklewhatsnext on any platform! Featured Articles:  Former NFL Star Warrick Dunn Tackles Housing Inequalities Trans BMX rider Chelsea Wolfe in line for Team USA at Tokyo Olympics The Carnegie Initiative Brings Together Titans In Hockey To Champion Diversity Taking a knee: Football fans across Europe asked about its importance and if they support it

In this week's roundup of articles from the world of athlete activism and sports philanthropy, Danielle highlights Naomi Osaka's stand for athlete mental health, the continued disparities in men's and women's NCAA sports, and stories around progress on LGBTQ+ inclusion in sports. Follow us on twitter @bigleaguephil and on instagram @bigleaguephilanthropist, and follow our parent company @tacklewhatsnext on any platform! Featured Articles: ‘This Will 100% Save Somebody’s Life.’ Athletes See a Turning Point for Mental Health After Naomi Osaka Takes a Stand at the French Open Meditation app vows to pay fines of tennis pros who skip news conferences in honor of Naomi Osaka, mental health Sedona Prince Has a Message for You NY Times: The Morning - Massages vs. doubleheaders Michael Jordan donates $1M to Morehouse journalism, sports Bubba Wallace - Armchair Expert Seattle Seahawks and Fellow Seattle Pro Sports Teams Come Together to Support Gender-Inclusive Youth Sports and Local LGBTQ+-Owned Small Businesses Living Nonbinary in a Binary Sports World The Gist - Sunday Scroll: Full of Pride

In this week's roundup of articles from the world of athlete activism and sports philanthropy, Danielle highlights the state of athlete activism one year after George Floyd's murder, Josh Bell's commitment to take action and make impact, the new biopic on Fritz Pollard and Naomi Osaka's stand for mental health for athletes when dealing with the media. Follow us on twitter @bigleaguephil and on instagram @bigleaguephilanthropist, and follow our parent company @tacklewhatsnext on any platform! Featured Articles: George Floyd changed the world of athlete activism Martin Luther King III: Players boycotting sports will guarantee action on racism overnight In the shadow of George Floyd Square, the Minnesota Lynx remain steadfast in the fight for racial justice Josh Bell has thought long and hard about social change. In Washington, he’s ready to act. Producer Joel B. Michaels Developing Biopic On Fritz Pollard, First Black Football Player In The NFL Progress made in fight for greater representation, says Black Players for Change executive director Justin Morrow Naomi Osaka Says She Won’t Talk to Journalists at the French Open Naomi Osaka's Statement on Twitter

In this week's roundup of articles from the world of athlete activism and sports philanthropy, Danielle highlights pro athletes standing against voter suppression, former student athletes partnering to stop abuse in youth sports, athletes like Steph Curry and Maya Moore continuing to work for change, Keston Hiura advocating to #StopAsianHate, and more. Follow us on twitter @bigleaguephil and on instagram @bigleaguephilanthropist, and follow our parent company @tacklewhatsnext on any platform! Featured Articles: MLS, NWSL, USWNT soccer players sign joint statement against voter suppression OSU and U-M sex assault survivors partner with national organization to stop abuse in youth sports Exclusive: Stephen and Ayesha Curry join One Million Black Women initiative After Helping Her Husband Gain Freedom, Maya Moore Savors Her Own Kareem Abdul-Jabbar Reflects on the Legacy of the Athlete-Activist (and His Own) Milwaukee Brewers infielder Keston Hiura shares experiences as Asian-American professional athlete Drew Robinson on Twitter ASU athletes ready for careers in related fields taught at School of Community Resources and Development A new era of athlete activists inherit a centuries-old fight for justice

In this episode of Big League Philanthropist, Danielle chats with Katie-Jay Scott, former soccer player for UNC Wilmington and current executive director of iACT, a nonprofit that helps refugees lead and create change within their home communities. Katie-Jay discusses the work iACT does and why she was drawn to it. She also shares more about the soccer program she founded, Refugees United, which focuses on getting children in refugee camps involved with the sport. Finally, Danielle and Katie-Jay chat about her love for soccer and how it has left its mark on her life, her philanthropy goals, the difference that iACT has made globally, and how iACT and Refugees United will continue to make real change. You can follow Katie-Jay on Twitter @katiejayscott and Instagram @ktjscott, and iACT on Twitter @iact and Instagram @iactivism. You can learn more about their work on their website: https://www.iact.ngo/.

In this week's roundup of articles from the world of athlete activism and sports philanthropy, Danielle highlights more forgotten names of athlete activists from history, the influence of social justice on black athlete identities, Lewis Hamilton's activism, Dikembe Mutombo's $1 Billion investment into the Congo, PepsiCo's $1 Million investment to underserved US communities, and Philadelphia Union's work to reach zero landfill status. Follow us on twitter @bigleaguephil and on instagram @bigleaguephilanthropist, and follow our parent company @tacklewhatsnext on any platform! Featured Articles: Long before Colin Kaepernick knelt, a Black female athlete defied the US National Anthem, but she's been largely forgotten How the Rise of Social Justice in Athletics is Transforming the Identity of Black Athletes in America Dikembe Mutombo Leads $1 Billion Investment to Revamp Mining in the Congo, Build Electric Vehicle Supply Chain PepsiCo Commits $1 Million To Improve Access To Soccer In Underserved Communities In The U.S. Philadelphia Union target zero landfill status for Subaru Park Lewis Hamilton opens up about activism and life beyond F1

In this week's roundup of articles from the world of athlete activism and sports philanthropy, Danielle highlights Simone Biles' new partnership with Athleta, Shaq's philanthropic efforts, Mechelle Lewis Freeman's support for the next generation of track women, and an update on the political implications of the Tokyo 2021 and Beijing 2022 Olympics as well as the transgender sports bill being debated in Montana. Follow us on twitter @bigleaguephil and on instagram @bigleaguephilanthropist, and follow our parent company @tacklewhatsnext on any platform! Featured Articles: Simone Biles Leaves Nike for Partnership With Athleta Shaquille O’Neal On Why He’s Keeping His Philanthropy Close To Home Olympian Mechelle Lewis Freeman Is Paving the Way For the Next Generation of Track Girls Olympic athletes promised legal support if they protest An Olympics Boycott Isn’t the Best Way to Advance Human Rights Activists, students protest Montana bill on transgender athletes

In this episode of Big League Philanthropist, Danielle chats with Tony Sanneh, philanthropist and former professional soccer player for the US National Team, MLS, and internationally in Bundesliga. Tony discusses his experience playing professionally, and the immense learning experience he has gained at the forefront of his own organization, The Sanneh Foundation. Danielle and Tony also discuss the importance of athlete activism and the Anti-Racism Campaign he's been actively involved with that's being pushed in the soccer world. Plus, Tony shares with us what's coming up for the foundation over the next few months and some of the initiatives they are currently working to push forward. You can follow Tony on Twitter @TonySanneh and Instagram @tonysanneh, and The Sanneh Foundation on Twitter @Sannehfdn and Instagram @thesannehfoundation. You can learn more about their work on their website: http://sannehfoundation.org/. 

In this week's roundup of articles from the world of athlete activism and sports philanthropy, Danielle highlights the Warriors support for a rising broadcasting star, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar's work in STEM, remembering activists from history like Paul Robeson and Jackie Robison, and how Olympique Lyonnais is committing to sustainability. Follow us on twitter @bigleaguephil and on instagram @bigleaguephilanthropist, and follow our parent company @tacklewhatsnext on any platform! Steph Curry shares special moment with Aaron Taylor, former convict and Warriors guest announcer Kareem Abdul-Jabbar shares wisdom from a life of activism Paul Robeson remembered in Princeton for his achievements, activism The Gist Newsletter #310 15.4.2021 “Sustainability is a leading subject for this football club” Bonus Reads: Alex Morgan, USWNT Players Appeal Decision Against Equal Pay The NCAA’s Threat To Pull Championships From Anti-LGBTQ States Carries Little Financial Weight ‘Hot Mic’ Slips Unlikely To Stop Leagues’ Push for More Fan Access The politicization of professional sports is a home run for society

In this week's roundup of articles from the world of athlete activism and sports philanthropy, Danielle highlights the results of Athlete Ally’s Athlete Equality Index, the US considering a Beijing 2022 boycott, the UNHCR’s Refugee Olympic team, Jay Urich’s post-football work, Anquan Boldin continuing to give back and how MLB’s All-Star game switch shows sports can no longer escape politics. Follow us on twitter @bigleaguephil and on instagram @bigleaguephilanthropist, and follow our parent company @tacklewhatsnext on any platform! New Study Reveals Top Universities for Transgender Athletes… and Which Schools Are Failing Miserably Trans women targeted in sports bans, but are they really at an advantage? U.S. State Department backs away from the idea of a Beijing Olympics boycott UNHCR launches social media campaign for refugee athletes Six months post-retirement, former USC football player Jay Urich talks life after football Anquan Boldin Helps His Hometown Gain Vaccine Access MLB’S All-Star Brawl Shows Sports Can't Escape Modern Politics

In this week's roundup of articles from the world of athlete activism and sports philanthropy, Danielle highlights the impact of sports sponsorship on the climate crisis, an update on sports participation for trans youth and the MLB pulling the All-Star Game out of Georgia due to voting restrictions. Follow us on twitter @bigleaguephil and on instagram @bigleaguephilanthropist, and follow our parent company @tacklewhatsnext on any platform! Major climate polluters accused of greenwashing with sports sponsorship 3. 🚫 Bills piling up on trans youth MLB Moving All-Star Game Over Voting Rights Concerns Civil Rights Group Calls to Relocate The Masters After Georgia Voting Bill Falcons owner Arthur Blank speaks out against Georgia voting restrictions

In this week's roundup of articles from the world of athlete activism and sports philanthropy, Danielle highlights a good story coming out of NCAA March Madness, an important policy created by Athletes Unlimited, the activism of Jordan Marie Brings Three White Horses Daniel, and an important deep dive into systemic racism in sports from Axios. Follow us on twitter @bigleaguephil and on instagram @bigleaguephilanthropist, and follow our parent company @tacklewhatsnext on any platform! Links to Featured Articles: March Madness food providers look to give back to local communities Athletes Unlimited Empowers Players With New Pregnancy Policy How Ultramarathoner Jordan Marie Daniel Is Helping Other Athletes Find a Platform to Change the World Hard Truths Deep Dive: Drilling down on systemic racism in sports

In this week's roundup of articles from the world of athlete activism and sports philanthropy, Danielle highlights Saroya Tinker's work with the Black Girl Hockey Club, how China is continuing to play politics in sports, the #NotNCAAProperty movement led by collegiate athletes and the inequities around March Madness, plus how the sports world is responding to the tragic murders in Atlanta. Follow us on twitter @bigleaguephil and on instagram @bigleaguephilanthropist, and follow our parent company @tacklewhatsnext on any platform! Links to Featured Articles: Why the Black Girl Hockey Club Matters 4. 💉 China to provide vaccine for Olympians Players launch #NotNCAAProperty movement a day before March Madness begins Younghoe Koo's Response to the Atlanta Shootings #StopAsianHate

In this week's roundup of articles from the world of athlete activism and sports philanthropy, Danielle highlights Maya Moore's continued fight for criminal justice reform, college athletes petitioning the NCAA against anti-trans sports legislation, Naomi Osaka's work to break down barriers for girls in sports, Julian Edelman's response to anti-semitism and the WNBA players' next activism project. Follow us on twitter @bigleaguephil and on instagram @bigleaguephilanthropist, and follow our parent company @tacklewhatsnext on any platform! Links to Featured Articles: WNBA star Maya Moore to sit out 2021 season to focus on family, criminal justice reform Nearly 550 College Athletes Demand NCAA Pull Championships From States With Anti-Trans Sports Legislation “Setting High Goals for Herself”: Naomi Osaka Breaks Down Barriers To Promote Sports in Japan Julian Edelman: An Open Letter to Meyers Leonard WNBA players’ next cause: Educating themselves — and fans — on vaccine safety

In this episode of Big League Philanthropist, Danielle chats with Bria Hartley, activist and WNBA player for the Phoenix Mercury. Bria discusses her experience playing professionally both in the US and internationally, her clothing brand All Heart Clothing, and All Heart Basketball, a girls' AAU team she started. Danielle and Bria also discuss the importance of activism in the sports world today, and how she and her teammates made sure that this past WNBA season was all about standing up for what matters most. Plus, Bria shares with us how she is preparing herself for even more intentional philanthropic progress in the future. You can follow Bria on Twitter @Breezyyy14 and Instagram @breezyyy14!

In this week's roundup of articles from the world of athlete activism and sports philanthropy, Danielle highlights James Harden's unique impact twist on a sneaker promotion, how rights groups are protesting the 2022 Beijing Olympics, the pro athletes supporting financial education programs, and an article about the present and future of athlete activism. Follow us on twitter @bigleaguephil and on instagram @bigleaguephilanthropist, and follow our parent company @tacklewhatsnext on any platform! Links to Featured Articles: James Harden’s impact in Brooklyn is growing beyond the court Rights Groups Target Sponsors Like Airbnb for Beijing Games Pro athletes supporting financial literacy for kids and young adults The Athletes Have More to Say

In this week's roundup of articles from the world of athlete activism and sports philanthropy, Danielle highlights Russell Westbrook's work off the court, Russian politics impacting the NHL, the debate amongst athletes on activism, the human rights abuses of the Qatar 2022 World Cup and history being made in the WNBA. Follow us on twitter @bigleaguephil and on instagram @bigleaguephilanthropist, and follow our parent company @tacklewhatsnext on any platform! Links to Featured Articles: Russell Westbrook Offers Update on His New Project Highlighting 1 of the Worst Racial Attacks in U.S. History Russell Westbrook partners with nonprofit to launch L.A. schools for underserved students Axios Sports Newsletter: Russian politics hit the NHL Zlatan Ibrahimovic criticizes LeBron James for activist role: 'Do the category that you do' Qatar World Cup of Shame WNBA Approves Sale of Atlanta Dream to Larry Gottesdiener

In this episode of Big League Philanthropist, Danielle chats with Hugh Roberts, a USL Championship soccer player for Charlotte Independence and activist. Hugh discusses his podcast and philanthropic project BackYardFooty, where he talks about his experience as an athlete in all aspects of life, and his passion for bringing soccer to others. Danielle and Hugh also discuss the Black Lives Matter Movement, and take a deeper dive into how important and life-altering the events of this past year have been on his life and career. You can follow Hugh on Twitter @hughrob13 and Instagram @superhughman, and visit https://www.backyardfooty.org/ to learn more.

In this week's roundup of articles from the world of athlete activism and sports philanthropy, Danielle highlights athlete activists who paved the way for today's modern activist, how athlete activism is driving media value, a new Coursera course taught by NBA All-Star Chris Webber and a feature on Hugh Roberts and his BackYard Footy movement. Plus, we highlight a great event from Pittsburgh Steeler's Zach Banner on Athletes Against Antisemitism. Follow us on twitter @bigleaguephil and on instagram @bigleaguephilanthropist, and follow our parent company @tacklewhatsnext on any platform! Links to Featured Articles: Craig Hodges and Mahmoud Abdul-Rauf were Kaepernick before Kaepernick Study: Athlete advocacy posts could drive US$1.2bn in media value by 2023 Coursera launches 'activism in sports' class taught by Chris Webber ‘Let me explain something: Ahmaud Arbery could have been ... ME.’ Athletes Against Antisemitism

In this week's roundup of articles from the world of athlete activism and sports philanthropy, Danielle highlights the progress of the Change the Mascot Movement, the NHL's new partnership to educate young people on social justice, JJ Watt's impact on the city of Houston, and the IOC's potential policy change on athlete activism. We also shout out a friend of the podcast, Renee Montgomery, on her big announcement. Follow us on twitter @bigleaguephil and on instagram @bigleaguephilanthropist, and follow our parent company @tacklewhatsnext on any platform! Links to Featured Articles: How Ray Halbritter’s rise helped the fight against Native American mascots in sports NHL Launches New Social Justice Education Program JJ Watt says his charity was flooded with $99 donations after his release from the Texans Olympic panel to review athlete activism rules ahead of controversial Beijing games Ep 11 - Dear Basketball IRL

In this week's Super Bowl edition roundup of articles from the world of athlete activism and sports philanthropy, Danielle highlights all things Super Bowl. From women making history on the sidelines to local Tampa organizations receiving funding from the NFL to brands donating their ad dollars to COVID-19 Vaccine awareness, to some great events recognizing Walter Payton Man of the Year Nominees, we've got you covered on all things sports philanthropy from the big weekend. Plus, we highlight some of the league's WPMOY nominees and their work. Follow us on twitter @bigleaguephil and on instagram @bigleaguephilanthropist, and follow our parent company @tacklewhatsnext on any platform! Links to Featured Articles: 2021 Most Valuable Philanthropist: Super Bowl Edition The State of the American Dream - The Bush Center Women making history (and growing the game) 28 Tampa Bay nonprofits get $10,000 each from Super Bowl program Skipping The Super Bowl, Budweiser Is Donating Its Ad Dollars To Covid-19 Vaccine Awareness Efforts 2020 Walter Payton Man of the Year Nominees Russell Wilson named Walter Payton Man of the Year

In this week's roundup of articles from the world of athlete activism and sports philanthropy, Danielle highlights stories about Washington Football Team head coach Ron Rivera being cancer-free, New York Liberty's Layshia Clarendon's successful top surgery and advocacy for transgender people, how football player Kylin Hill fought for Mississippi's state flag to be changed, Naomi Osaka's investment into the NWSL, and an update from the sport for development sector on the impact of COVID-19. Follow us on twitter @bigleaguephil and on instagram @bigleaguephilanthropist, and follow our parent company @tacklewhatsnext on any platform! Links to Featured Articles: Ron Rivera of Washington Football Team cancer-free 'No one can erase us.' New York Liberty's Layshia Clarendon has successful top surgery Kylin Hill fought to change the Mississippi flag. Next up: The NFL. Tennis Superstar Naomi Osaka Announces Investment in NWSL Team North Carolina Courage Study reveals COVID could be final whistle for fifth of sport for development sector

In this week's roundup of articles from the world of athlete activism and sports philanthropy, Danielle highlights stories on Jennifer King breaking barriers in the NFL, the role MLB legend Hank Aaron played in the Civil Rights Movement, how climate change forced a netball player to retire, an update on the status of transgender athletes' right to play under the Biden administration, and a great read on athlete activism from McGill University's The Bear and The Bull. Follow us on twitter @bigleaguephil and on instagram @bigleaguephilanthropist, and follow our parent company @tacklewhatsnext on any platform! Links to Featured Articles: Transgender Youth Bills Reflect Deep Divisions Across U.S. States Hank Aaron's legacy beyond baseball: The role he played in civil rights Source: Washington's Jennifer King to make history again as first Black woman to be full-time NFL coach ‘Climate change forced me to retire from sport’ How Athlete is Starting to Sound Like Activist

In this week's roundup of articles from the world of athlete activism and sports philanthropy, Danielle highlights stories from Martin Luther King III, the WNBA's blueprint to activism, Bills Mafia supporting Lamar Jackson, transgender athletes hoping for Biden administration support of their right to play, and five sport and human rights issues to look out for in 2021 from the Centre of Sports and Human Rights. Follow us on twitter @bigleaguephil and on instagram @bigleaguephilanthropist, and follow our parent company @tacklewhatsnext on any platform!  Links to Featured Articles:  Martin Luther King III: A New Era of Athlete Activism Can Help Fulfill My Father’s Dream (Guest Column) - Variety How The WNBA And The Atlanta Dream Gave Sports A Blueprint For Meaningful Activism - UPROXX Buffalo Bills fans donate to Lamar Jackson-backed charity after victory over Baltimore Ravens - ESPN Transgender athletes look hopefully to White House transition - PBS 5 Sport and Human Rights Issues to Look Out For in 2021 - Centre for Sports and Human Rights

In this episode of Big League Philanthropist, Danielle sits down with Jasmine Thomas, a WNBA player for the Connecticut Sun and activist. Jasmine talks to us about her philanthropy with the Kay Yow Cancer Fund and her support of the WNBA’s Breast Health Awareness (BHA) initiative.  Jasmine and Danielle also discuss her experience playing in the WNBA this season, how important it was for her and her fellow players to make sure this season was all about activism, and more! You can follow Jasmine on Twitter and Instagram. 

Today’s episode features our friend and Executive Director of Every Kid Sports, Natalie Hummel! Natalie is one of the co-founders or Every Kid Sports and a former athlete herself. She played volleyball at Colorado State University and now helps young people around the country access sports programming. Every Kid Sports helps families afford to keep their kids in sports and provides financial assistance with registration fees for those who need it. There are a lot of misconceptions and misrepresentations about the state of youth sports in this country. It’s a pay to play model and that knocks out a lot of families who just can’t afford the fees to get their kids out there on the field or on the court.  Natalie and Danielle talk about some of these misconceptions and what EKS does to help bridge the gap. They talk about how they work with high level athletes to promote their mission and Natalie gives advice to athletes who want to use their platform to make a difference in the community. If you would like to learn more about Every Kid Sports, check out their website here!

In Episode 2, Danielle sits down with WNBA Champion and social justice warrior Renee Montgomery. Renee plays for the Atlanta Dream but is currently sitting out this season in the wubble to protest the systemic racism in our country and raise important awareness for the social justice movement. Renee created Moments Equal Momentum, a platform to assist, advocate and educate on important issues. She has launched Remember The 3rd to connect people and politics and encourage people to educate themselves before going to the polls. She is involved in The Last Yard, raising funding for Morris Brown College, a HBCU. She’s involved with the More Than A Vote campaign started by fellow basketball player LeBron James and she is using her platform and presence in national media to assist and educate on causes she is passionate about. Click here to check out her website and find more information about the amazing work she is doing! Danielle and Renee chat about what it’s been like to be a spectator of sports this season, her goals for her activism, and why athletes have such a presence and power to inspire and influence change. Renee also talks about the importance of having a team of people to help you accomplish your goals. 

In the first episode of season 2, Danielle sits down with Marcus Alston, the Founder of Alston for Athletes. Alston for Athletes helps to provide a better foundation of Physical, Mental, and Emotional Wellness for the future generations of Athletes through Sports Mentoring. Marcus chats with us about his struggles with mental health and offers advice to athletes who may be struggling to - don’t go through it alone! We also chat about his love for football and how sports helped him find purpose and has helped him grow Alston for Athletes. Marcus is such a strong person and speaks out so eloquently about his own struggles, it’s hard not to admire him for all the great work that he does. If you would like to see more about Alston for Athletes, check out their website for more info! Also, be sure to follow them on Instagram, Twitter, and LinkedIn. If you or someone you know is struggling with mental illness, please visit helpwhenyouneedit.org or call the Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-8255. 

Bryce Weiler is Co-Founder of the Beautiful Lives Project and a Disability Consultant for the Baltimore Orioles. Being blind himself, Weiler advocates for those with disabilities and accessibility to activities and experiences in sports and the arts. Through the Beautiful Lives Project, Weiler and his team work with sports organizations like the New Briton Bees and university dance and cheerleading programs to give those with disabilities and special needs experiences to which they may not otherwise have access. To learn more about the Beautiful Lives Project and how to get involved, visit their website here. You can also follow them on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. You can follow Bryce on Twitter here and LinkedIn here.

Danielle spoke with Amy Kingman, the Executive Director of the Learning by Giving Foundation, in February of 2019 about the great work that the organization is doing to inspire a new generation of effective philanthropists. From courses in colleges and universities around the country, to innovative partnerships with sports teams, stadiums and athletes, the organization is passionate about the power of sports to make a difference in the nonprofit world.  To learn more about the Learning by Giving Foundation and how to get involved, visit their website at www.learningbygivingfoundation.org. You can also follow them on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. To read the Tackle What Matters article that complements this podcast interview, click here. 

Chris Dickerson is an MLB alum who played for the Cincinnati Reds, Milwaukee Brewers, New York Yankees, the Cleveland Indians and the Baltimore Orioles. He chose not to enter the MLB right away when he was drafted out of high school and instead played baseball for the University of Nevada while getting his college degree. In 2007, prior to joining the major leagues, Chris co-founded Players for the Planet with fellow player Jack Cassel and since then they’ve brought on dozens of athletes like Robinson Cano, Curtis Granderson, Brent Suter, Giancarlo Stanton, Nelson Cruz, Zach Britton, and Ryan Braun to support the cause.  Danielle and Chris chat about how he got into baseball and why sports has opened up so many doors for him. Chris shares why raising awareness for and protecting the environment is such an important part of his life. They discuss what it was like to start a nonprofit prior to going pro, and how being a pro athlete became an asset to the organization and his mission. Chris shares how his dad was a big motivator for him to stay active and aware about helping the environment, and what Players for the Planet is doing to raise awareness all over the country and internationally in areas like the Dominican Republic.  To learn more about Players for the Planet and how you can get involved with your community, visit http://playersfortheplanet.org/ and be sure to follow them on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. You can follow Chris on Twitter and Instagram.

Wes Martin is a rookie offensive lineman for the Washington Redskins. Born and raised in West Milton, Ohio, he played football for Indiana University and was named honorable mention All-Big Ten in his redshirt junior and senior seasons. He was drafted to the Redskins in the 4th round of the 2019 NFL Draft. Wes founded Brave Breed Rescue, Inc. while he was in his senior year of college. Brave Breed is located in West Milton and is a 501c3 dedicated to rescuing and re-homing all dog breeds that enter their care.  Wes and Danielle chat about the transition from college athlete to professional, the challenges of starting a nonprofit organization AND balancing that with playing football at a high level. He chats about how important his mom has been throughout his life and what it's like working with her at the organization. Wes shares the inspiration behind why he started Brave Breed and why he's motivated to help dogs find forever homes. He also speaks about the importance of fostering to save dogs currently in shelters waiting to be adopted.  To learn more about Brave Breed Rescue, visit www.bravebreed.org and be sure to follow them on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. You can follow Wes on Twitter and Instagram.   

John Register is an inspirational speaker, trainer and coach, who commands his listeners attention on the topic "Hurdling Adversity". John is an avid athlete and played baseball, track and field and more as a kid. He ran Track and Field at the University of Arkansas, and originally majored in music, the cello specifically, before switching over to communications to focus his time on sports. He qualified for the Olympic Trials twice. He served in the US Army and participated in Desert Storm and Desert Shield.  Unfortunately in 1994, John suffered a life changing knee injury when practicing on the hurdles and ended up getting the leg amputated. He didn't let that injury stop him. He climbed his way back into sports, practicing and training for the Paralympic Games. In 2000, he won the silver medal in the Long Jump at the Paralympic Games. Alongside his sports activities, John spearheaded the US Army's World Class Athlete Program. He worked for the USOC until earlier this year and launched the USOC Paralympic Military Program, which uses sports to assist in the recovery of wounded, ill or injured service members. John and Danielle discuss what made him choose track and field (because no one naturally enjoys running, right?), what it was like going through the Army and how he transformed his life in such a positive way after his injury. He talks about why sport is such a powerful tool and a universal language to encourage dialogues both big and small.  John now travels the country to share his insight on the topic "Hurdling Adversity" and helps people understand what's holding them back from who they are trying to become. He is the facilitator of the brilliance in the room! His latest Ted Talk, called "Live Beyond Tolerance", at TEDx Colorado Springs will be released soon- to get the link as soon as it drops, you can email John at John@Johnregister.com. You can follow John on Instagram, Twitter, Facebook or LinkedIn. Check out his YouTube Channel to see some of his amazing speeches. Visit www.johnregister.com for more info or to inquire about having John come out and speak to your team! 

Dereck Faulkner is a former NFL and CFL player who is now an entrepreneur and Founder of Athletes for Vets. Dereck went to Hampton University and got his MBA from George Washington University. He works to unite, support, advocate for and help the heroes that defend our nation's freedom. Danielle and Dereck chat about what life was like growing up in a military family, his later than usual start to football, the inspiration behind Athletes for Vets and how his MBA program pushed him to launch the vision for Athletes for Vets. We also learn how Athletes for Vets supports veterans and military organizations, some of the challenges Dereck faces when working to fundraise and create awareness, and so much more. Dereck is passionate about athletes giving back in any way that makes sense for them, and considers it their duty. Be sure to follow Dereck on Instagram @dereckfaulkner and Twitter @DereckFaulkner and follow Athletes for Vets on Twitter: @athletesforvets, Instagram: @athletesforvets, and visit their website: https://www.athletesforvets.org to learn more about how you can support their work.

Haron Hargrave is a former basketball player and point guard who played for Sacramento State and went on to play for Mediaş in the top league in Romania. Today, Haron is a community activist, working to bridge the gap between law enforcement and communities through Ballin' 4 Peace. Danielle and Haron chat about how Haron got into basketball, the inspiration behind Ballin' 4 Peace, and what motivates him to keep growing that movement every day. Along the way, we learn the impact that Haron's mother had on his life, why sport is such a powerful tool for social change and how athletes can create impact in communities like no one else. Be sure to follow Haron on Instagram @h2O5 and follow Ballin' for Peace on Twitter: @ballin4peace and Instagram: @Ballin4Peace, and visit their website: https://ballin4peace.org/ to learn more about how you can support their incredible movement.  

We’re thrilled to bring you the Big League Philanthropist podcast! We focus on athletes doing amazing things in the community. Whether they have started their own nonprofits or are partnering with nonprofits to make a difference, we’ll share their stories here. Follow us on Twitter @bigleaguephil and on instagram @bigleaguephilanthropist. Email us at bigleaguephilanthropist@gmail.com.