Philadelphia Eagles defensive end, Chris Long, has decided to donate his entire 2017 salary to increase educational equality.
According to ESPN, Long had already given up his first six game checks to provide two scholarships for students in his hometown of Charlottesville, Virginia.
His next 10 game checks will go to charitable organizations in Philadelphia, Boston, and St. Louis “whose missions focus on making education easily accessible to underserved youth while also providing students the support they need to develop strong social and emotional character.”
The veteran defensive end signed a two-year, $4.5 million contract with the Eagles, including a $500,000 signing bonus and $1.5 million guaranteed. His base salary for this season is $1 million.
"My wife and I have been passionate about education being a gateway for upward mobility and equality," Long told the Associated Press. "I think we can all agree that equity in education can help effect change that we all want to see in this country."
“In my 10th year, I want to celebrate the awesome opportunity I’ve had to play football by giving back to the communities that have given me that gift,” Long said in a statement. “Educational opportunity and equity are the best gateway to a better tomorrow for everyone in America.”
"There's a lot of opportunities to help out, and they're wonderful organizations," Long said. "We have such a great platform as football players, and hopefully fans get behind it."
The four organizations selected by Long's foundations are all based in the three communities in which he has played during his 10-year NFL career (Philly, Boston and St. Louis). The city that raises the most money during the season will receive an additional $50,000 donation.
A statement on Long's "Pledge 10 For Tomorrow" campaign site reads,
"I'm encouraging fans, businesses and every person with a desire to join in my pursuit of equal education opportunities for all students to make their own pledge. My goal is that through this campaign my donation will be doubled by those inspired to join the effort -- because together we can accomplish more."
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