Brees surprised area middle-schoolers during festivities for the big game at the George R. Brown Convention Center.

The kids, who range in age from 10-14, are part of a computer mentoring program put on by Texas Southern University and the Verizon Foundation that enhances their knowledge in science, technology, engineering and mathematics, better known as STEM.

Rewarding them for their hard work and dedication, TSU alum and Good Morning America co-host, Michael Strahan, surprised them with an educational trip to the Super Bowl festivities in downtown Houston.

“To acknowledge and celebrate all that you have accomplished, GMA and the Verizon Foundation want to take you on a field trip,” Strahan told the kids via a video message.

While at the fan event, the students, who aspire for careers in fields such as cardiology and technical engineering, got a different look at the game thanks to Verizon engineers.

Then they got another surprise when former league MVP and Super Bowl champion Brees made a surprise visit in person.

In between taking selfies, playing virtual reality games, and signing footballs for each student, Brees shared his first-hand experience on how STEM helped him develop as a player.

“When I’m on the sideline and I come off, I immediately look at a tablet and I’m looking at the plays that we just ran on the field,” Brees told the starstruck kids.

“And so if it weren’t for the people that were helping to design those programs that make that happen, then I wouldn’t be able to have the success that we have as a team,” he added.

No better place to be talking about the importance of #STEM education than @HMNS w/ @Chevron. pic.twitter.com/MCZshZRcBe

— Drew Brees (@drewbrees) February 4, 2017

Brees attended one of the top engineering colleges in the country, Purdue University, and he understands the importance on the continued advancement and education of STEM, especially with youth.

“To be in a position where you can have an influence on them and be a role model for them in something that’s outside the game of football specifically, I think it’s cool because here we are talking about science and technology and math,” Brees said.

Be sure to check out Good Celebrity’s recent charity profiles on Super Bowl stars Tom Brady, Julian Edelman, Matt Ryan, and Julio Jones!

The post Drew Brees Promotes the Importance of STEM Education During Super Bowl Festivities appeared first on Positive Celebrity News, Good Celebrity Gossip, Positive Entertainment News | Good Celebrity.

After six years in the pros, the Atlanta Falcons wide receiver finally reached the biggest game in his sport.

But when he’s not lighting up the scoreboard eye-popping touchdown catches, Jones excels at being a philanthropist and a role model for children off the field.

Here are the ways in which the NFL star is changing his community for the better.

Military Man & Significance in Super Bowl LI

Jones isn’t, nor has he ever been, in the military but he proudly supports the men and women who serve the United States in uniform.

“A big part of what’s so great about America is the men and women who sacrifice daily, so we can live our lives and feel safe,” Jone said in 2013 while taking part in a Wounded Warrior luncheon.

Sponsored by the USAA and NFL, the event saw players from the league meet, sign autographs, and take photos with Purple Heart recipients and combat-wounded soldiers.

“That event was so impactful because it gave me an opportunity to praise those guys that go out there and fight for our country every day,” Jones said.

For Super Bowl LI, Jones and his teammates are honoring Fallen Heroes by wearing the initials of soldiers who gave the ultimate sacrifice, on their helmets during the game.

Donating Time, Money, & Hair for Children

Like so many of his colleagues, Jones sees the importance in setting a good example to kids.

“I’m trying to impact the youth,” Jones said in 2013. “I try to lead by example, always keeping my nose clean and staying out of trouble, because I know kids are looking up to me; I want to be the best example I can be for them.”

There’s no better way to broadcast a good image than by donating your time and efforts to children’s causes.

As a rookie in 2011, Jones immediately acclimated himself to Atlanta and it’s residents as he participated in several charitable events initiated by the Atlanta Falcons Rookie Club.

When then-Falcons head coach Mike Smith hosted the 4th annual Huddle Up for Miracles in 2013, Jones served as a celebrity waiter and helped raise over $250,000 for the Children’s Miracle Network and Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta.

And in 2012, the star wideout literally shed his hair for charity. Seeing an opportunity to help sick children, Jones donated his dreadlocks to Locks for Love, which makes wigs for kids with cancer.

“We do a lot of community service here, and from going to a lot of hospitals and seeing all the kids who are fans of mine, I just cut my hair and donated it for leukemia patients,” Jones said.

#DayItForward

In spring of 2016, Jones took part in Chevrolet’s Leap Day-inspired social media campaign #DayItForward, which encouraged people to used the extra 24 hours of the year to do something nice for someone else.

Jones utilized the opportunity to give back to Atlanta residents by teaming with the Southwest Ecumencial Emergency Assistance Center (SWEEAC), an organization that partners with churches and communities to assist families living in crisis.

“The whole purpose of me being out here today is giving back, showing everyone—the people still out here—that we believe in them,” Jones said.

Putting smiles on faces with my extra 24 hours at SWEEAC! How will you #DayItForward? @Chevrolet #ad pic.twitter.com/FNeDWQPmbu

— Julio Jones (@juliojones_11) February 29, 2016

The talented receiver helped pack grocery bags full of fruits and veggies and delivered them to the less fortunate people of his adopted hometown.

“It’s really good just to see people get excited,” he said.

“Just being around that positive energy, hanging out and talking with them for a little bit to really get to know them and see what their life story is and serve them and help them and be an inspiration to them.”

Thanks to his spectacular play and philanthropic work the name Julio Jones is, and will always be, synonymous with Atlanta.

Be sure to check out our charity profile on his Falcons teammate, Matt Ryan!

The post Falcons Wide Receiver Julio Jones Changes Lives of Atlanta Residents for the Better appeared first on Positive Celebrity News, Good Celebrity Gossip, Positive Entertainment News | Good Celebrity.

The Atlanta Falcons QB has long been considered one of the elite players at his position in the NFL but a trip to the biggest stage in all of sports eluded him… until now. Ryan will look to etch his name in the history books when he and the Falcons take on the New England Patriots in Super Bowl LI on February 5.

Super Bowl LI bound! #RiseUp #InBrotherhood pic.twitter.com/Zki8VBo9PA

— Matt Ryan (@M_Ryan02) January 23, 2017

Much like Brees, Ryan shines equally as bright off the field as he does on it. Let’s take a look at the many ways in which this charitable athlete gives back.

Matt Ryan Gives Back to Children

Combining his love of golf and passion for helping children, Ryan annually hosts a celebrity golf tournament with proceeds benefitting the Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta (CHOA), specifically the Aflac Cancer and Blood Disorder Centers of the specialized pediatric hospitals.

The event annually raises between $250,000 and $300,000.

“It’s gotten a little bit bigger, a little bit better every year and we raise a little bit more money,” Ryan said following the sixth year of the tournament in 2016.

“Obviously it’s something I look forward to. To be able to raise money for CHOA and to be able to help them in some small way is rewarding for me and I think it’s really rewarding for the people who get to come out and have a fun day,” he added.

Among the famous faces Ryan draws to his tournament are former Falcons QB Steve Bartkowski and former Atlanta Braves players Phil Niekro and Chipper Jones.

Chipper Jones: When Matt Ryan invites you somewhere you show up. #AtlantaIcons pic.twitter.com/fIzPnoW9u1

— Kelsey Conway (@FalconsKelsey) April 11, 2016

The CHOA has three hospitals and 27 neighborhood facilities throughout Georgia and sees roughly 870,000 patients per year.

Dinner for Two with No. 2

In addition to his golf tournament, Ryan raises funds for the CHOA Aflac Cancer Center through his annual “Dinner for Two with No. 2,” which is named after his jersey number.

The evening features a Q&A segment with Ryan and a guest (previous participants include Falcons players Tony Gonzalez and Roddy White), along with a meet-and-greet photo opportunity for attendees and a signed football given for every two seats sponsored.

Ryan and his wife, Sarah, donate $500 for every donation of $1,500.

“The Aflac Cancer Center means so much to Sarah and me,” Ryan said ahead of the inaugural dinner in 2013. “We’ve hosted a golf tournament the last three years and this “Dinner for Two with #2” with Tony Gonzalez will be a fun way to broaden that support.”

My Cause My Cleats

In 2016, Ryan took part in the NFL’s #MyCauseMyCleats social campaign which saw hundreds of players wear custom cleats promoting charitable causes during games.

Ryan once again chose to bring awareness to CHOA sporting the nonprofit organization’s logo on his shoes. He shared his kicks on Instagram along with the caption: “I’m committed to making all kids better today and healthier tomorrow.”

I’m committed to making all kids better today and healthier tomorrow. #MyCauseMyCleats @childrensatl

A photo posted by Matt Ryan (@ryan_matt02) on Nov 29, 2016 at 11:04am PST

Matt Ryan is a Role Model for Kids

In an age when professional athletes are more visible than ever, Ryan takes pride in setting a good example for the youth of America.

“I think you certainly are a role model, especially in the social media age we live right now,” he said during the Best of Preps Banquet in 2011. “Everything we do can be seen by kids. One of the greatest responsibilities we have is to influence them positively. That’s not something I take lightly.”

There’s no better way to set a positive example than through your actions. Outside of his work with CHOA, Ryan routinely donates to local Atlanta schools, takes part in the Falcon’s online reading program “Read with a Falcon,” and partners with the Make-A-Wish Foundation granting “Meet Matt Ryan” wishes.

Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year Nominee

Ryan’s good deeds haven’t gone unnoticed by the NFL and the Falcons.

In 2016, he was named the team’s nominee for the 2016 Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year award, given out annually to the player who exemplifies excellence on and off the field.

“Matt has set the tone for our team in many ways; as a leader in the locker room, on the field and in our community. He helps us be the best team that we can be,” said Falcons head coach Dan Quinn.

“This really means a lot; to be compared to someone like Walter Payton, because of what he stood for and what kind of person he was both on and off the field. And also to be grouped with the great list of players and men that have won in the past. I’m very proud of the impact we’ve made on the community here in Atlanta, I’m very proud of what I’ve done on the field and it is an honor to even be considered for this recognition,” Ryan said.

Win or lose on the field, Matt Ryan’s lasting legacy will be the impact he made, and continues to make, in and around the Atlanta community.

Stay tuned to Good Celebrity this week as we bring you more celebrity news stories about Super Bowl stars and how they’re giving back to their communities!

The post Matt Ryan: A Complete Look at the Super Bowl QB’s Charity Work appeared first on Positive Celebrity News, Good Celebrity Gossip, Positive Entertainment News | Good Celebrity.

The Carolina Panthers QB heard about 10-year-old Austin Deckard, a huge Auburn football fan that is gearing up for an important surgery. Deckard is battling advanced pulmonary hypertension and was scheduled to have a stint put in his heart on Wednesday (December 28).

Courtney Cooper, one of Deckard’s teachers, started campaign on social media in an effort to get in touch with Newton so that the pair could meet.

“Just before Thanksgiving, I was headed to an Auburn football game,” Cooper wrote on Facebook.

“Austin was in awe of this. He also told me he ‘wished Cam Newton could come to his birthday party.’ Austin may not ever make it to an Auburn football game but I know social media is a strong force that can make things happen. Let’s use it for something positive and spread this like wildfire and somehow, someway get the word to Cam Newton and give this precious little boy his wish.”

Well, it worked. Newton chartered a jet and flew to Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta to meet up with the boy before his surgery.

Said Newton, per the Ledger-Enquirer: “I thought I had an unknown number but dude I’ve gotten about 100 calls about you.”

Newton also brought Austin a bag of gifts including signed memorabilia.

Check out the heartwarming video below!

For Taylor Deckard, a 10yo boy battling a severe heart condition, his Christmas wish was to meet @CameronNewton. Today his wish came true. pic.twitter.com/1MNmpdNLk4

— Auburn Tigers (@AuburnTigers) December 28, 2016

The post Cam Newton Surprises Young Fan in Atlanta Children’s Hospital: Watch Now! appeared first on Positive Celebrity News, Good Celebrity Gossip, Positive Entertainment News | Good Celebrity.

After a unanimous vote, representatives made the monumental decision on Wednesday (July 27) that is the first of its kind for professional sports in the US.

NBA Players Break New Ground by Choosing to Fund Health Insurance for Retired NBA Players — https://t.co/RxdTselkuH pic.twitter.com/sTETzZM9Ms

— NBPA (@TheNBPA) July 27, 2016

“The game has never before been more popular, and all the players in our league today recognize that we’re only in this position because of the hard work and dedication of the men who came before us,” said Chris Paul, NBPA President and nine-time All-Star.

“It’s important that we take care of our entire extended NBA family, and I’m proud of my fellow players for taking this unprecedented step to ensure the health and well-being of our predecessors,” he continued.

The NBPA will team up with UnitedHealthCare to provide benefits for retired NBA players. These benefits will include:

• Medical, hospital, and prescription coverage with lowered deductibles and co-pays for retired athletes with between three and six years of playing time who are not yet eligible for Medicare.
• Athletes with seven to nine years of service in the NBA will receive the same benefits with even lower co-pays and deductibles.
• Retired athletes who were in the NBA for at least 10 years receive the same coverage, along with benefits for their entire family.
• Retired athletes with three to nine years of service who are eligible for Medicare can receive a supplemental plan with a $0 deductible and $0 co-pay, along with a low-cost prescription plan.
• Athletes with more than 10 years of service on Medicare will receive the supplemental coverage mentioned above for both them and their spouse.

Open enrollment for the health benefits begins in the fall and coverage begins on the first of the year in 2017.

“I couldn’t be more proud of Chris, our Executive Committee and our entire membership,” said Michele Roberts, Executive Director of the NBPA.

“Providing health care security for players who came before them has been on the players’ minds for the past year and they worked closely with us to make it happen. We’re also thrilled to partner with UnitedHealthcare on this initiative. We had many choices, but none matched UnitedHealthcare’s flexibility, experience, clinical expertise, and robust tools and technologies.”

According to a press release, the average lifespan of an NBA athlete’s career is just over four years.

With the short careers, there is a clear need for long-term planning in not only finance, but also health. This coverage will help fill the health need, matched the current programs like cardiac screenings and ensure that athletes have the resources to live healthy, fulfilled lives after leaving the NBA.

Photo Credit: Flickr

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