Seattle Seahawks defensive end Michael Bennett has long been outspoken990 Archivessocial issues. Now the NFL star is putting his money where his mouth is in a major way.
His inspiration? A do-good rapper.
SEE ALSO: How Derek Jeter's once-mocked startup became a sports media powerhouseBennett announced in an Instagram post Thursday that he plans to donate every endorsement dollar he earns this season to help minority communities and women of color. He said he was spurred to act after Chance the Rapper pledged a massive to donation to Chicago's public schools on Monday.
Chance clearly approves -- he tweeted "good man" along with a link to a news article about Bennett's donation.
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Now here's Bennett's Instagram post, and the message he posted alongside it.
View this post on Instagram
Here's Bennett's message chopped up into paragraphs for easier digesting.
I was inspired by Chance The Rapper to ‘think bigger’ when he pledged one million dollars to Chicago kids and their school system. So, I’ll be joining him by investing in the future of our youth.
The system is failing our kids, and it will be up to the community and our leaders to help keep the hope alive by focusing on improving our education system and the future of our kids. Any company that decides to invest in me, just know that you’ll be investing in opportunities and providing inspiration for these families- many who feel unnoticed or go unmentioned.
I have decided to donate all of my endorsement money in 2017 to help rebuild minority communities through s.t.e.a.m programs, as well as initiatives that directly affect women of color in hopes that we can create more opportunities for our youth and build a brighter future.
In addition, 50% of the proceeds from my jersey sales this year will go to programs and initiatives to support inner-city garden projects, as it’s not only about providing opportunities in education and arts, but to help provide the right nutrition and access to healthy living to all.
I’m asking all professional athletes to join me by donating a portion of your endorsements this year to a cause of your choice. We can make a difference. It’s up to us to help plant seeds of hope and help fuel the future.
Power to the People,Michael Bennett
Bennett recently signed a three-year contract extension with Seattle for $31.5 million, but how much he earns in endorsement income is not known. He's among the team's biggest stars, however, so this surely isn't an empty promise. The announcement is shrewd, too -- it incentivizes companies looking for some socially conscious shine to strike endorsement deals with him this year.
Bennett also wrote that he's "asking all professional athletes to join me by donating a portion of your endorsements this year to a cause of your choice."
We'll see if he can further spread the spirit of giving, but Bennett has surely earned himself some new fans already.
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