San Francisco 49ers

5 athletes putting their money where their mouth is

Published Jun. 30, 2017 6:28 p.m. ET

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In light of Colin Kaepernick pledging $1 million of his 2016 salary to community building organizations, we take a look at five athletes known for their charitable contributions.

San Francisco 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick sparked a nationwide debate when he decided to remain seated for the Star-Spangled Banner. Kaepernick told NFL.com he would continue to kneel during the National Anthem, and explained why.

“I am not going to stand up to show pride in a flag for a country that oppresses black people and people of color,” Kaepernick told NFL Media in an exclusive interview after the game. “To me, this is bigger than football and it would be selfish on my part to look the other way. There are bodies in the street and people getting paid leave and getting away with murder.”

The issue has evoked strong responses nationwide, some affirming Kaepernick’s perspective, and some disparaging. Unfazed, Kap has doubled down, pledging to donate $1 million of his salary to organizations which assist marginalized communities.

Speaking on an issue is one thing. Nothing says commitment like pledging time and resources to take an active stance. Let’s shine light on five athletes who constantly give back to the community.

5. Richard Sherman

Richard Sherman’s Blanket Coverage foundation helps provide children from low-income neighborhoods with school supplies and clothes. The Seattle Seahawks’ all-pro cornerback was inspired by a visit he got as a high school student.

During his high school days, his childhood idol Magic Johnson came to Dominguez High School in Compton, CA and spoke to Richard and his classmates on the importance of setting and achieving your goals. Since that time Richard has made it his focus to preach those same sentiments and help students achieve their fullest potential.

Sherman has been a favorite punching bag of the media in the past, particularly for a post-game rant in 2014, for which he was repeatedly labeled a thug. As overblown as that moment was, Sherman’s charity work seems like a pretty clear counterpoint to anyone with critiques of how he handles himself.

LOS ANGELES, CA – JULY 13: Host John Cena speaks onstage during the 2016 ESPYS at Microsoft Theater on July 13, 2016 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Kevin Winter/Getty Images)

4. John Cena

In the ring, he is ‘U Can’t C’ WWE superstar John Cena. Outside of the squared-circle he assumes a slightly different persona. Cena has been named one of the top 10 most charitable athletes, by DoSomething.org. He earned the honor for his work with the Make A Wish Foundation and the Susan G. Komen For the Cure organization.

He is being recognized for this work with the Make-A-Wish foundation, where he currently holds the record of the most wishes granted with almost 500. He is Make-A-Wish’s most requested celebrity Wish granter. Cena has also been praised by DoSomething for his work alongside WWE for the Susan G. Komen for the cure breast cancer awareness organization. With Cena heading the campaign, he along with WWE have so far raised almost $2 million since partnering with the organization in 2012.

Obviously, the character he plays in the ring is just that, a character. Outside of the ropes, he is clearly someone who is committed to using his fame and fortune to help others.

Sep 4, 2015; Las Vegas, NV, USA; UFC Women

3. Ronda Rousey

Here’s the message displayed on the homepage of Ronda Rousey’s charity website:

“It’s not your purpose in life to be happy, it’s your purpose in life to leave the world better than how you found it. I’m trying to do that.”

The UFC star is as persistent in her charitable endeavors as she is fearsome inside the octagon. Rousey raises money and awareness for the Free Rice Campaign, Gompers Judo Program and Didi Hirsch Mental Health Services.

A portion of the proceeds of the 56,797 Don’t Be A DNB shirts Rousey sold went to Didi Hirsch.

Check out my first ever limited edition shirt! Don’t be a #DNB👊http://t.co/YCZuFVhRD7 pic.twitter.com/SASb2vHjl9

— Ronda Rousey (@RondaRousey) August 6, 2015

Like Sherman and Cena, Rousey is another reminder that even those who accumulate wealth through sometimes violent professions can be actively engaged in spreading peace as well.

MIAMI, FL – DECEMBER 25: LeBron James

2. LeBron James

Lebron James’ charitable contributions are as unique and powerful as his game. James’ Lebron James Family Foundation entered into a partnership with a college, in Ohio, to send kids to school tuition-free.

The NBA star has partnered with the University of Akron to provide a guaranteed four-year scholarship to the school for students in James’ “I Promise” program who qualify. The scholarship will cover tuition and the university’s general service fee — currently $9,500 per year. James told ESPN he plans to provide this for 1,100 kids, which would cost his foundation a total of $41.8 million at the school’s current rates.

James’ plan is as significant of a charitable contribution as one could make. His organization would be responsible for the upward social and economic mobility of a large segment of society. These are families who may not have otherwise had the opportunity to attend a higher learning institution.

“It’s the reason I do what I do. These students have big dreams, and I’m happy to do everything I can to help them get there. They’re going to have to earn it, but I’m excited to see what these kids can accomplish knowing that college is in their futures.” – Lebron James

In our country, college is an opportunity that many can’t afford. More than a thousand young men and women won’t have that problem thanks to James.

MONACO, MONACO – AUGUST 25: UEFA Best Player in Europe Award winner Christiano Ronaldo during a press conference during the ECF Season Kick Off 2016/17 on August 25, 2016 in Monaco, Monaco. (Photo by Harold Cunningham – UEFA/UEFA via Getty Images)

1. Cristiano Ronaldo

In 2015, Cristiano Ronaldo was named the world’s most charitable athlete by DoSomething.org. Stories of Ronaldo’s giving spirit are in abundance. Here’s one from Look To The Stars:

In the Spring of 2014, Ronaldo received a request for a donation of football boots and a shirt to help raise $83,000 for a 10-month-old in need of an operation. Ronaldo not only donated the items, but also paid for the operation.

Ronaldo also donated $165,000 to fund a cancer center in Portugal. He’s the type of dude you like to think you would be, if you were rich. He’s the world’s highest paid athlete, according to Forbes, checking in at $88 million a year and has no problems breaking bread.

Sometimes, we tend to look at those who have more and think “what would it be to them to help out some people in need.” Well, Ronaldo has a long history of doing just that. Every athlete on this list should be applauded for using their platform and resources to raise awareness and give back.