Athletes for Hope Empowerment Workshop: Empowering Senior Bowl Players to Make a Difference
For the eighth consecutive year, Athletes for Hope (AFH) facilitated our Empowerment Workshop with the 2024 Senior Bowl players in Mobile, Alabama, fostering a spirit of community engagement and social responsibility among the athletes. The workshop once again served as a catalyst for aspiring NFL stars to recognize their potential to make a positive impact beyond the football field.
After a long week of practice and meetings with NFL coaching staff, the Friday morning of Senior Bowl week is always dedicated to community service. Kicking off the day, the Empowerment Workshop is designed to help Senior Bowl players understand the significance of their roles within their communities.
Through interactive sessions and discussions, the athletes are empowered to leverage their platforms for the greater good, recognizing the influence they hold and the responsibility that comes with it. This year’s group showcased exceptional dedication and enthusiasm throughout the session, demonstrating a genuine commitment to making a positive impact in their communities.
Duke University defensive tackle DeWayne Carter provided insight on how athletes should give back through community service.
If you‘re actually working with people in the communities, I think that‘s where the real impact is at because you care about the work that you do.”
DeWayne Carter, Duke University
Thanks to the leadership of the Senior Bowl, following the workshop, the players embark on a morning of community service activities, putting theory into practice as they roll up their sleeves and actively contribute to the Mobile community. This year, opportunities included school visits, food distribution, and visiting with sick children, among others.
The bowl’s Executive Director Jim Nagy celebrated their yearly community service efforts and attributed the many NFL players that have come from Mobile, AL to the Senior Bowl players inspiring children in the community.
When you show up at their school, the hospital, wherever they’re at, they see you and then [the NFL becomes] a dream for them. You guys are going to give all of these kids hope today.
Jim Nagy, Executive Director, Reese’s Senior bowl
What sets AFH’s Empowerment Workshop with the Senior Bowl apart each year is its long-term impact. Beyond Community Service Day, AFH continues to work closely with these athletes, providing ongoing support and guidance as they navigate their professional careers.
Through personalized support and resources, AFH helps them develop and execute community outreach initiatives, leveraging their influence and resources to address pressing social issues.
Stay tuned for more from this year’s Senior Bowl class as they take time to give back while they prepare for the biggest milestone of their career thus far: the NFL Draft!