Each week during the regular season, the NFLPA will recognize one active NFL player who has demonstrated a commitment to making a positive impact in his community, naming them the Community MVP. We will be profiling these players each week, honoring them for their commitments off the field.
The Week 0 NFLPA Community MVP is Kansas City Chiefs’ defensive tackle, Derrick Nnadi. The Florida State Seminoles player was selected by the Chiefs in the third round of the 2018 NFL Draft and he’s now the first name on the list of players who have the opportunity to be awarded with the NFLPA Alan Page Community Award at the end of the season, the highest award the NFLPA can bestow upon a player.
“Being named the NFLPA Community MVP is such an honor,” said Nnadi. “I feel so fortunate to be in a position to impact and change lives however possible. Many kids aren’t fully able to take part in the back-to-school season.”
Derrick wanted to create back to school events in two cities that mean a lot to him, Kansas City, where he plays, and Virginia Beach, where he was born and raised.
In Virginia Beach, Derrick wanted to do something for the Nixon Family, who lost their wife/mother in the horrific shooting that took place in Virginia Beach on May 31st. So he partnered with DICK’s Sporting Goods and surprised the Nixon family with a shopping spree, an experience they could all do together.
He then turned his attention to the Boys & Girls Clubs of Southeast Virginia, sending over 10 backpacks full of school supplies, ensuring that these young students would be ready for the school year.
But his efforts didn’t stop there.
During Training Camp, Derrick took time out of his busy schedule to surprise ten kids from the Boys and Girls Club of Greater Kansas City to a back to school shopping spree, partnering with DICK’s Sporting Goods to give these kids an experience they wouldn’t forget.
Giving back isn’t new for Nnadi. He’s attended youth events and held a turkey drive in his hometown of Virginia Beach last Thanksgiving.
“As my father says, ‘As Nnadis, we don’t receive, we give.'” Derrick said in the release. “It was very fulfilling to help some special people get ready for the school year ahead.
Per the release, in honor of Nnadi being named this week’s Community MVP, the NFLPA will make a $10,000 contribution to his foundation or charity of choice. You can read the full release here.
Congratulations to Derrick Nnadi!
