These Dads Are Doing It Right – Part 40 – Dads Making Headlines Off The Field

This week’s for the Dads Doing It Right series I am putting the spotlight on these dads who are doing a lot off the field. These athletes that you cheer for are great dads and are leading by example. Yes, they have made a name for themselves in sports, but they are taking that name and helping people all over the world. If there are any other dads that you think we should check out leave their site in the comment section below. 

Michael Thomas – Teaching The Youth 

Michael Thomas is know for being a great player in the NFL. He is a great dad and pays it forward off the field. Michael created the Aldine Sports Association. The Aldine Sports Association mission is to uplift, motivate and inspire the youth. They teach kids the fundamental skills of sports. The ASA work towards developing the character of every child by focusing on values such as community service, education, respect and sportsmanship. It is their mission to have a lasting impact on youth sports in the Aldine community. Michael also shares his financial literacy help educate others. 

Cliff Avril – Helping Others Around The World 

I had Cliff on my podcast to talk about things both on and off the field. Cliff won a Super Bowl with the Seahawks. Talking with Cliff you can tell he is teaching his kids by helping others. Inspired by the loss of his grandmother and his mother’s diagnosis of diabetes, Cliff realized the importance of educating today’s youth about healthy living. The Cliff Avril Family Foundation mission is to increase the awareness of Type 2 diabetes in youth. His foundation encourages healthy living through nutrition and exercise. The foundation provides educational support and opportunities to youth in Haiti. Cliff’s foundation helps out various community-based organizations in Jacksonville, Seattle and Charlotte.

Anthony Muñoz – The Seven Impact Programs 

Another guest from the Art of Fatherhood podcast Anthony does a lot for kids. The mission of the Anthony Muñoz Foundation is to impact the lives of the Cincinnati area youth mentally, physically and spiritually through our seven Impact Programs. Along its journey, the Anthony Muñoz Foundation has touched the lives of over 40,000 youth. Now, over a decade later, the foundation educates, promotes, recognizes and rewards youth who excel in all phases of life, while reaching out and empowering those who are struggling. No matter what adversity youth may face, the Anthony Muñoz Foundation programs teach young people that they can overcome their respective obstacles while maintaining a focus on higher education. 

Chris Long – Waterboys 

Chris Long played in the NFL and won two Super Bowls during his time in the league. Long created the Waterboys organization. Waterboys began during a 2013 trip by Long to climb Mt. Kilimanjaro. Long was struck by the beauty of Tanzania and the vibrancy of its’ people; he also witnessed great suffering due to a lack of clean water. While in Tanzania, Long met Doug Pitt, Goodwill Ambassador for Tanzania, and John Bongiorno, President of the non-profit WorldServe International, and was further educated on the needs and available solutions to the clean water crisis. Waterboys will work with WorldServe International to build wells to provide life-giving water and all that comes from it – the opportunity for education, good health, and economic stability. Since its start, there have been 27 NFL players that have served on the Waterboys roster.