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While most NFL players have their own individual charitable foundations or focus on providing their support a specific charity, they also often participate as a team to give back to the community. In Indianapolis, the Colts get together on Tuesdays to find numerous ways to make a difference.
Yesterday, the Colts completed the 10th annual project playground event. They built a playground at a local school that needs a new place for children to get outside and stay active.
It's the final stretch! Thank you to all of our sponsors and volunteers for making this possible! #ProjectPlayground pic.twitter.com/l6d9nNbUyi
— Colts Community (@coltscommunity) September 26, 2017
During previous Colts community Tuesdays, players have helped prepare food at Second Helpings to provide hunger relief to those who need it.
Community Tuesdays' are back! Spent this morning at @SecondHelpings volunteering in the Hunger Relief kitchen. #FeedIndy pic.twitter.com/y2GIASZ1ze
— Colts Community (@coltscommunity) September 5, 2017
The team has visited local elementary schools to read to children.
Happy Community Tuesday! A great day visiting with and reading to local elementary students for #Colts Day in Schools. pic.twitter.com/qn5uN1a1O4
— Colts Community (@coltscommunity) September 12, 2017
The team has even helped raise dental awareness for children and helped them come in for a checkup.
Celebrating this #Colts #CommunityTuesday with @TeamSmile by hosting local students for some fun and dental care! #ForTheColture pic.twitter.com/FqdfkJ4FSX
— Colts Community (@coltscommunity) September 19, 2017
Of course, Tuesdays aren’t the only day the team gives back and there has certainly been a great deal of outreach throughout the week. Earlier this week, on Monday the Colts visited John Marshall Middle School and discussed the importance of education.
We kicked off our week by visiting John Marshall Middle School with Jabaal Sheard emphasizing the importance of education pic.twitter.com/lhwklHWvuT
— Colts Cheerleaders (@ColtsCheer) September 25, 2017
Quarterback Andrew Luck works a great deal with the Riley’s children hospital and has encouraged healthy habits for elementary school students.
Andrew Luck surprises Lapel Elementary class for winning Riley Children's health challengehttps://t.co/ATFtw2gn0O
— RTV6 Indianapolis (@rtv6) May 13, 2017
The team also visited Riley during the holidays last year in a large group in order to spread some holiday cheer (they’re not very good singers).
Chance meeting Andrew Luck and some of his awesome Colts teammates at Riley Children's Hospital in Indy today:) pic.twitter.com/vblaMwU1nY
— TravBFoundation (@TravBFoundation) December 19, 2016
While it is easy to get caught up in narratives about superstar athletes who are privileged to play a game and earn a lot of money doing so, it’s important to remember that these players are all just people too. They are a group of people who have spent significant portions of their lives off of the field giving back to their community and who try to make a difference for those who are in need.
It was also inspiring to see how the NFL, and players like J.J. Watt, came together to raise a lot of money to assist in the hurricane rebuilding efforts following hurricanes Harvey and Irma. Players and teams ignored logos and rivalries and joined together to support weather stricken areas to start the NFL season.
To learn more about how the Indianapolis Colts give back to the community, visit the Community Relations page on Colts.com.