What to Know
- New York Jets players, coaches and ownership have teamed up to commit to donating $800,000 to social justice causes
- Funds will be given to five nonprofit organizations that focus on combating social inequality, reducing barriers to opportunities for people
- Jets CEO, players, coaches and other foundations have made donations
New York Jets players, coaches and ownership have teamed up to commit to donating $800,000 to social justice causes.
The team announced Thursday that funds will be given to five nonprofit organizations that focus on combating social inequality and reducing barriers to opportunities for people.
Jets players and coaches committed $200,000, and the team will match that donation. Team Chairman and CEO Christopher Johnson added a $250,000 donation, and additional funds were donated by the New York Jets Foundation and the NFL Foundation's Player Matching Grant.
The Jets' players leadership committee, which includes quarterback Josh McCown, offensive linemen Kelvin Beachum and Ben Ijalana, and nose tackle Steve McLendon, selected five organizations to which the funds will be directed: The Black Alliance for Just Immigration, JustLeadershipUSA, Breakthrough New York, The Legal Aid Society's Decarceration Project, and The New York Foundling. Each organization will receive a $160,000 grant.
Each of the selected nonprofit focuses on education, community and police relations, criminal justice reform or other initiatives including reducing poverty, racial equality and workforce development.
“I am extremely proud of our team for their commitment to empowering our communities through their donations and participation in outreach programs,” New York Jets Chairman and CEO Christopher Johnson said in a statement.
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“While it was a collective effort within the organization to make this donation possible, the players desire to make a difference fueled this endeavor. We are excited to help position these five organizations to continue their work in our communities," Johnson added.
