Gayle Saunders
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Sometimes when tragedy strikes, people stand tall and come together in times of need. Leaders also emerge to help those in need and provide a sense of love and support.

In this case we shed light on Jim Laurinitis,various Ram players, and office staff that went to Harrisburg Illinois. On their journey they were able to put smiles on some of the faces who dealt with a massive tornado that the Illinois community. The team has partnered with Operation Blessing International and the Salvation Army to provide relief.

The Rams players and office staff got a first hand look at what the tornado did to Harrisburg Illinois.

Middle Linebacker James Laurinaitis stated

“you see these big concrete foundations of houses. There’s three steps and everything else is just torn apart.”

The group helped distribute emergency supplies to the townspeople from a grocery store, turned donation center. The team also surprised a single mom whose home was destroyed with a brand new home.

Laurinaitis was able to speak with students at Harrisburg High School and gave them words of encouragement. Laurinaitis also listened to a man tell of how he survived after the winds picked up his SUV and threw it about twenty yards.

“I think sometimes we do these things. It helps put things back into perspective, you realize how good you have it” said Laurinaiitis.

We here at Skinnypost.com take our hats off to the Rams Players and office staff that took the time out to help the community of Harrisburg. Its the little things that people do that make the biggest difference.

Anyone who is interested in volunteering in Harribsurg is asked to call the Operation Blessing International Volunteer Center at 757-226-3407.

By Gayle Saunders
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Jeff Fisher gives the St. Louis Rams fans a glimpse of what kind of coach their getting for their franchise. Not only is he a leader on the field but he follows suit off the field.

According to WKRN-TV. This past Sunday, the newly hired rams coach arrived at the scene of a car crash in Brentwood, Tenn. Coach Fisher was the first to arrive at the scene, where a Nissan Altima went off the road and overturned after hitting a pole.

A 17-year-old driver lost control of the vehicle, while a 13-year-old passenger was thrown from the car. On his way home, Fisher encountered the victims on the side of the road. The coach stayed with the victims and attempted to provide aid until medical help arrived.

Fisher did not want to take credit for what he did as he was just doing a good deed that anyone else would do.

“I got there after, I saw him, we were going to our cars, (but I) didn’t speak to him,” Brentwood Vice Mayor Rod Freeman said of Fisher. “If he stopped and helped, that is fantastic and I appreciate it.”

The 17 year old driver was released from the hospital, however the 13-year-old was listed in critical but stable condition at Vanderbilt Children’s Hospital.

Skinnypost.com takes our hats off to Jeff Fisher for doing what any leader would do. A big shout out to the teens for a healthy and speedy recovery!

By Gayle Saunders
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President Obama announced his Fatherhood Initiative called “Strong Fathers, Strong Families” designed to help fathers be more involved in the lives of their children in fun and meaningful ways. Responding to the call by President Obama to strengthen fathers and families, Ran Carthon, a pro scout with the Atlanta Falcons, took the Fatherhood Initiative to heart.

Carthon came up with the brilliant idea, to create “The Fatherhood Ticket Program” where he would highlight the fathers who were positive role models in their families as well as their communities. He proposed that children submit their personal stories about their fathers who were inspiring mentors and leaders. He would then pick a winner from the submissions to receive tickets to Atlanta Falcons games and sideline passes on the field.

Not only have people in the community taken notice to Ran Carthon’s good deeds, WhiteHouse.gov recently honored him for his services.

“Oftentimes, you hear of fathers who are not involved in their children’s lives, this time around, I would like for you to hear stories of fathers who are taking an active role in their child’s upbringing.”

Check out the video below where Carthon presents the first winner of the Fatherhood Ticket Program

We here at Skinnypost.com take our hats off to Ran Carthon for being a leader and giving back to his community. To help Ran in his efforts to nominate other fathers email: fatherhood.initiative@gmail.com and tell him why they should be recognized.

By Blake Fields
of PomPomandCigars.com

Peyton Manning? Yeah, that guy’s pretty good.

“If you like six-five, 230 pound quarterbacks with a laser rocket arm,” says the Indianapolis Colts quarterback himself in an ad for Sprint.

Those of us who follow the game know that the guy is more than “pretty good,” he’s one of the best. With four NFL MVP awards and a Super Bowl ring (and MVP) included in his resume, it’s no doubt that this guy is great at what he does. But we are all aware of all the great things that he does on the field; it’s all of the great things that he does off the field that usually goes unnoticed.

Manning founded the Peyback Foundation in 1999, just after the start of his NFL career, to promote the future success of disadvantaged youth. The Foundation has donated more than $4.3 million to youth organizations in a three state region: Indiana, Tennessee, and Louisiana.

As President of the Foundation, Manning not only supports the organization financially, but he is active in all the major decisions concerning its initiatives and constantly seeks new ways to further the Foundation’s success.

Since its inception, the Foundation has bought and delivered toys and groceries, assisted in disaster relief, and much more. The Foundation hosts a number of special celebrations at children’s hospitals and helps needy children in the winter by providing items such as a winter coats.
Manning’s charitable works aren’t just limited to the Foundation. For over a decade the quarterback has had a strong relationship with Indianapolis’ St. Vincent Children’s Hospital. The relationship has been so great that the hospital underwent a recent name change: Peyton Manning Children’s Hospital at St. Vincent.

While parents deal with aspects such as health insurance, the children are offered top notch care in this facility designed specifically to cater to the medical needs of children. Manning has spent a great deal of time at this facility as he has sponsored a number of events, made countless private patient visits, served as a spokesperson for several child health and safety initiatives, and has even dedicated patient rooms with personal and professional memorabilia.

One of Manning’s recent health initiatives in association with the hospital is Project 18, an 18-week health and wellness curriculum designed to address childhood obesity. Manning’s project is designed to combat obesity by helping kids and their parents set goals, eat smarter, and get active.

While Manning’s on the field accomplishments are in plain view of thousands of fans in a football stadium, his off the field accomplishments have a much smaller audience. While he may not receive any MVP awards or championships rings for these particular accomplishments, Manning’s charitable works have nonetheless given back to communities in ways that football never could.

Manning talks about what the Peyback Foundation means to him:

By Gayle Saunders
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Looks like Jason Garrett is taking the no nonsense approach seriously in Dallas. So far, Coach Garrett is keeping his players in check, by putting a ban on rookie hazing in training camp.

“The young guys are part of our team,” Garrett told area reporters on Sunday. “They certainly need to get themselves acclimated in a lot of different ways, and our veteran players are in charge of welcoming them to the NFL in a very positive way.

When Jason Garrett took over the head coaching job of the Dallas Cowboys in the middle of the last season, it was expected he would keep his players in line with a no-nonsense approach.

“There’s not going to be anything demeaning in any way that a rookie has to do. We don’t believe in that.”

Last year one rookie was not having it, and his name was Dez Bryant. In last years camp wide receiver Dez Bryant refused to carry the equipment for veteran Roy Williams, who is playing with the Chicago Bears. Luckily for this years draft class, they wont have to go down the hazing path.

Garrett is trying to implement the foundation for leadership on the Cowboys team. After last years debacle, bringing a new mindset to the game was imperative. All the team leaders from, Tony Romo, Jason Witten to DeMarcus Ware are following Garrett’s lead.

By Steve O’Reilly

There have been many battles lately that have embraced the name of Tom Brady, most likely some court filings that used Brady’s name to represent the Players in the on-going lockout dispute. This is a different battle, a battle to make a difference in the lives of mentally handicapped adults and young adults who need support, a friend to show them the way. Best Buddies is looks to promote friendship and generate employment opportunities for mentally handicapped people.

My sister used to work for Best Buddies and would often share with me that all most of these individuals need is some coaching and a friend. Mentally handicapped people sometimes lack close friendly relationships and Best Buddies, and their 1500 Chapters across the country make a huge impact on these individuals. The Massachusetts home office received a big, big boost when Tom Brady of the New England Patriots decided to step in and help out.

“I first did the ride nine years ago,” Brady said. “I rode 40 miles with my sisters, and it was a great family event. I really liked the premise — trying to build friendships for those less fortunate than we are. That was the premise, the importance of friendship. I think of the value of my friends in my life, and that’s something some of these [mentally challenged] people don’t have, based on something that was out of their control when they were born. It’s just unfair. And this group does so much for them that I just wanted to do my part.”

What started out as a bike ride with friends and family for a cause has turned into a full blown dedication by Brady. He is the Honorary Chairman for the Audi Best Buddies Challenge: Hyannis Port where Brady held and participated in a few different events.

According to CBS Boston the full filled activities

kicks off with the Tom Brady Football Challenge & Tailgate at Harvard Stadium Friday at 6 pm. The three-time Super Bowl champ will play quarterback for two teams made up of Best Buddies participants and supporters.

Saturday’s Best Buddies Challenge will feature many events, including 20, 50, and 1000-mile cycle routes, a 5K run, and a 3K walk, all ending in Hyannis Port. It will all wrap up with a New England-style clambake and private concert by Natasha Bedingfeld.

When you look a man like Tom Brady, who’s done it all in terms of Football, married to a Supermodel and has adoring fans everywhere it begs to be shouted how he can stay grounded and focus on the little things like making a difference in someone’s life who can now say that they caught a pass from one of the greatest QB’s in NFL history. Gives a new meaning to the word, Special.

By Gayle Saunders
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During the NFL Lockout, Broncos safety David Bruton has turned back to his roots. Not only is Bruton back in his home town, but he’s teaching the youth at his old high school in Miamisburg, Ohio.

According to the Denver Post, the 2009 Notre Dame grad earned a bachelor’s degree in political science, and is substitute teaching during the NFL lockout. He received a substitute teacher’s license from the Ohio Department of education. The license will allow him to teach for up to a year from grades kindergarten through high school.

At this job he receives $90 dollars a day which comes out to about $10 an hour. Its not quite NFL money, however this priceless opportunity, allows Bruton to give back to his community.

“I’m just trying to keep busy,” Bruton said, “and it’s nice to be able to give back to my community.”

Instead of being in Denver, Bruton has taken this opportunity to remain in Ohio to be with his son, who also lives in Miamisburg with Bruton’s former girlfriend.

“I got the playbook, I study. But I don’t get much time with Jaden during the season, so I want to spend as much time with him now as I can,” Bruton said.

Although Bruton plans to have a long career with the game of football, he now has thoughts of teaching after he’s done with the NFL. Bruton’s other options, going to law school to specialize in family law or going into social work.

Hats off to David Bruton, for giving back to the community as well as following another dream of his!

By Gayle Saunders
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Unfortunately Randy has had a first hand experience with being a troubled teen, however Moss is taking his negative past and turning it into a positive.

On the football field, Moss led the DuPont Panthers to back-to-back state championships in 1992 and 1993. He was a star at wide receiver and defensive back, returned kickoffs and punts, and was the team’s kicker and punter. In 1994, he was West Virginia’s Football & Basketball Player of the Year.

Off the field growing up in Rand,West Virginia, Randy Moss got into some trouble which paved the way for a slow start to his college career. It first started with a fight with a fellow student at DuPont High School that landed him in jail for 30 days. The fight caused Moss to lose his scholarship to the University of Notre Dame. Moss was expelled from DuPont and eventually completed his education at Cabell Alternative School.

The next year Moss failed a drug test which violated the terms of his probation, which caused him to lose his chance at a college career at Florida State University. Before Randy Moss even suited up for the Seminoles he was kicked off the team. He served an additional 60 days in jail for the probation violation

Moss took two college courses as part of his work-release program and transferred the credits to Marshall University, where he became a Heisman Trophy finalist in 1997.

With all that being said, last week the 34 year old Randy Moss had an opportunity to sit down with a group of inmates at the West Virginia Industrial Home for Youth.

Given his past, Randy’s words hold weight:

“Everybody is entitled to a mistake or two or three,” Moss said of his visit to the facility. “I don’t want them to think my road was easy. I’ve had some bumps in the road.

“I’ve been there. I’ve been where they are. I’ve worn those orange jumpsuits.”

By Gayle Saunders
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Ron springs a former Cowboy running back, passed away at 4:30 p.m. Thursday at Medical City Dallas hospital at the age of 54. For the last four years he’s been in a coma after losing oxygen during a 2007 operation, in which he never regained consciousness.

Everson walls, who was a teammate of Springs with the Cowboys, even donated a kidney to Springs for a transplant. While playing together Springs and Walls developed a great friendship. Ron Springs is the godfather to Walls oldest daughter, as Springs youngest child’s godfather is Walls.

Springs had slipped into a coma in 2007 after undergoing surgery to remove a cyst from his forearm about seven months after receiving the kidney.

In 2008, Springs’ wife, Adriane, filed a medical malpractice lawsuit against two doctors she says caused brain damage to her husband during the cyst surgery.

Despite the lengthy coma, the death came as a surprise, Walls said.
”We are people of faith, and we never gave up home that he would regain consciousness,” he said. ”He seemed to be holding his own. They say he just took a breath and he flat-lined.”
”He was such a worldly person who touched so many lives in every area code,” he said.

In a statement issued Thursday night, Cowboys owner Jerry Jones said, ”Ron’s life will always be remembered by the joy and laughter that he brought to others and the courage and toughness he displayed until the end. Regardless of the circumstances, he always had a smile for everyone. The Dallas Cowboys have lost a wonderful member of our family, and we share our thoughts and prayers with his family.”

Springs was drafted by the Dallas Cowboys out of Ohio State in 1979 and became a starter alongside Tony Dorsett in ’81, the year Walls arrived as an undrafted rookie from Grambling. Springs left in 1985, finishing his career with two seasons in Tampa Bay.

He ran for 2,519 yards, had 2,259 yards receiving and scored 10 touchdowns in his NFL career.

Walls and Springs formed the Gift for Life Foundation, which aims to educate people about ways to prevent chronic kidney disease and dispel myths about the living donor process.

Skinnypost.com sends our condolences to the Springs and Walls family at this time.

By Gayle Saunders
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Sometimes they say its the littlest things that make a big difference in life. Well in this instance, a ten year old boy by the name of Cliff Forrest made a big difference in the life of Bears great William “The Refrigerator” Perry.

Due to certain circumtances in William Perry’s life, he had to part ways with his superbowl ring. His 1985 Super Bowl ring back is now back in his possession due to the random act of kindness provided by Cliff Forrest.

$8,500 is a decent amount of money to lay down for any adult for a random purchase…for an average 10 year old that is an incredible amount to spend. Forrest took $8,500 out of his own college savings account to buy Perry’s Super Bowl ring in New York.

The boy asked his father if he could give the ring back to Perry, however Cliff Forrest Sr. said he wouldn’t have approved the purchase, but his mother was a bit more “soft-hearted” and his mom approved.

After the Forrests’ agreed to their son’s request they were determined to return the ring to Perry. They took a flight to Chicago where Perry was to have a an autograph session.

“He was very appreciative and he said, ‘Thank you,’” Cliff said. In return, Perry gave the boy two autographed jerseys signed: “The Fridge, Thanks!”

William “The Refrigerator” Perry played 10 seasons in the NFL. The hefty yet nimble defensive lineman, became famous for his goal-line running back duties as well as his TD celebrations. During the bears Super Bowl run in 1985, Perry just a rookie, became a instant celebrity along the way helping the bears win a Super Bowl title.

We here at Skinnypost.com would like to give a big shout out to Cliff Forrest for his random act of kindness…as Cliff said he did it because he felt it was right. If more people, let alone kids, would do things cause it was the right thing to do the world would be a better place. Thank you Cliff Forrest!

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