Ahead of AFH’s 2023 Play for Good Gala, we are proud to spotlight this year’s three honorees. In this edition, get to know football legend and AFH’s 2023 Community Hero Award recipient, Vernon Davis. We look forward to further honoring Vernon on Wednesday evening.
Football legend Vernon Davis is a D.C. native who continues to positively impact his hometown in many ways.
From Dunbar High School to the University of Maryland to a stint with the Washington Redskins (now Washington Commanders), Davis remains faithful to the region that made him.
His work outside of the game, though, has him making a mark away from football. The Vernon Davis Foundation for the Arts promotes art education and appreciation among the youth. Some may wonder why a football player is dedicating time and resources to the arts.
Well, Davis approaches overall wellness with a multi-faceted lens, seeing how sports and the arts can come together to form better leaders of tomorrow. His acting career followed his football career, and he utilizes both in his work.
As a San Francisco 49er, Davis achieved two Pro Bowl selections, and he also had a career total of 583 catches and 63 touchdowns in 14 seasons.
A seasoned professional, Davis was always grateful to play a sport at the highest level possible. He came from little in terms of money while in D.C., so giving back stems from his journey as a kid.
Reading is a foundational component of Vernon Davis’ philanthropic work. Aa. ahuge part of his charitable work, he encourages underprivileged children to reap the benefits of reading.
As a once underserved child, Davis pledges to serve others in any way he can. He is already changing lives, and it is only the beginning for a player who retired in 2020.
From scholarships to other forms of donations, his foundation is a reflection of the man who created it.
Creative arts became a passion of Davis’ early in his college career at Maryland, and he has cemented himself as a leader in these different paths. A Super Bowl champion and book lover, a first-round pick and an artist, Davis’ well-rounded lifestyle allows for him to reach happiness in more ways than one.
And he continues to share this love for others.
Vernon Davis is more than an athlete, he’s an advocate who hopes children who are just like him can make it out of the DMV.
One snap and one book at a time.
Congratulations to the Athletes for Hope 2023 Community Hero Honoree- Mia Hamm.