Philadelphia Eagles’ wide receiver A.J. Brown was honored by Mayor Cherelle Parker on Tuesday for his commitment in giving back to the community. It became the latest big event in a week to remember for the wide receiver, after he announced his proposal to his girlfriend and his foundation was gifted a donation by a famed restaurant.
The Super Bowl LIX winner was specifically awarded for supporting ”ongoing commitment awarded for his Philadelphia youth and communities,” according to the award organizers.
The Eagles star wideout said he owed his philanthropic and charitable efforts in the city and the community to his upbringing and reemphasized his commitment to being a positive influence for children throughout Philadelphia.
“Philly has become my home and I’m proud to say that,”AJ Brown said.
A big part of what motivates him is to give children the kind of models and opportunities he never had as a child.
“For me, it’s just about showing the love that I have in my heart,” he said, when asked what motivates him to give back to the community. “Growing up, I always wanted someone to come back and just, show us the way and lead us. But, unfortunately we didn’t really have that. So, I said ‘if I make it to the NFL, or whatever I do, I’m going to give back to the community.'”
Coupled with this, A.J. Brown had a sum of $11,000 donated to his foundation: A.J. Brown Foundation, by Chickie’s & Pete’s restaurant. The A.J. Brown Foundation has a mission to support children and help them make positive impacts in their home communities.
This “Making a Better Philly Changemaker” award came just three days after he announced his proposal to his girlfriend, Kelsey Riley. It was not the usual proposal, as everything about it oozed so much class, elegance, and grace.
The proposal featured award-winning musician John Legend who blessed the couple with heartwarming music.
“Congratulations to you both,” Legend wrote in the comments of Brown and Riley’s joint post. “Thank you for including me.”
A.J. Brown was also joined by a number of his Eagles teammates: DeVonta Smith, Jahan Dotson and Nakobe Dean, who were all appreciated by the wide receiver on his social media post.
Photo by Kathryn Riley/Getty Images
