Buffalo Bills rookie running back Ray Davis has been named the NFLPA Community MVP for Week 9, recognizing his ongoing dedication to youth advocacy, particularly through his partnership with Big Brothers Big Sisters (BBBS) of America. Davis has been active with BBBS both in his NFL city of Buffalo and his hometown of San Francisco, CA, working closely with local youth advocacy groups in Western New York.
Recently, Davis hosted an event at Highmark Stadium, where BBBS mentors and mentees enjoyed a VIP tour, a pizza party, and a Q&A session with him. His involvement with BBBS is deeply personal; he grew up in the foster care system and achieved his dreams with the help of a mentor. Now, as a national BBBS advocate, Davis seeks to support at-risk youth with experiences similar to his own, helping them access opportunities he once needed.
Davis’s journey has been remarkable; he overcame significant obstacles, including homelessness at age 12, and attributes his path to the mentorship he received. This dedication has earned him the title of Game Changer from BBBS for raising awareness and expanding opportunities through mentorship. Davis is only the fourth rookie to receive NFLPA Community MVP recognition in the program’s 11-year history.
In response to the honor, Davis said, “Being selected as the Week 9 NFLPA Community MVP not only lets me know that I can impact those around me, but that others are more aware of what can be done within their own communities…A big goal of mine has been to give back the same way others have given back to me in the Big Brothers Big Sisters of America organization.”
As part of this recognition, the NFLPA will donate $10,000 to a charity or foundation of Davis’s choice. He will also make a special visit to a school, children’s hospital, or community center and, along with other Community MVPs, will be eligible for the Alan Page Community Award, the NFLPA’s highest honor, which includes a $100,000 donation.
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