WASHINGTON, D.C. -- K.J. Osborn has been named the Week 2 NFLPA Community MVP after he gifted free sneakers during his "Kicks for Kids" event at the Yawkey Boys & Girls Club in Roxbury, Massachusetts.
"Being named NFLPA Community MVP is an honor," the New England Patriots wide receiver said. "As a kid, I always vowed to give back to the community if I was blessed enough to be in the position I am today."
On September 6, Osborn provided 50 students in grades 5-9 with new sneakers, backpacks, supplies and Patriots swag for the new school year. He then served pizza and dessert from an ice cream truck to the group of kids.
Osborn also took the opportunity to speak about his own experience at a Boys & Girls Club while growing up in Michigan, sharing how the mentorship and guidance he received helped build his friendships and confidence.
"I was once a Boys & Girls Club kid, so it's always special when given an opportunity to connect with them," Osborn said.
This event marks one of the first major initiatives for the K.J. Osborn Foundation, which he launched earlier this year. But the fifth-year pro is no stranger to community impact.
Since entering the NFL in 2020, Osborn has hosted free youth football camps, back-to-school supply giveaways, shoe drives, reading nook sponsorships and holiday family adoptions. He also partners with businesses to give underserved youth memorable experiences, including shopping sprees and attending NBA games.
During Osborn's childhood, there were times when his mother struggled to pay rent. Now that he is blessed with the means to give back, he makes a point to support two families every year in his hometown and team city with rent assistance.
In recognition of Osborn being named the NFLPA Community MVP for Week 2, the NFLPA will donate $10,000 to his foundation or charity of choice. In turn, Osborn will take part in a special visit to a local school, children's hospital or community center. Along with the other 2024-25 Community MVPs, he will also be eligible for the Alan Page Community Award, which is the NFLPA's highest player honor and includes an additional $100,000 donation.
For its 11th season, the NFLPA Community MVP program is teaming up with two supporting partners: Young Minds Inspired (YMI) and Big Brothers Big Sisters of America (BBBSA). As the nation's leading provider of free educational outreach programs, YMI will bring this year's NFLPA Community MVPs to classrooms across the country through a series of lesson plans about community service, inspired by the players' philanthropic work and the program's artwork created by Heartlent Group. BBBSA also invites this season's Community MVPs to partner with its 230+ agencies across the country, providing these athletes with more opportunities to engage with youth through its volunteer supported mentoring network.
The Community MVP campaign is part of the NFLPA's continued efforts to support the year-round, civic outreach and engagement of its player members. Please visit the NFLPA Community MVP website to learn more about the program.
2024-25 NFLPA Community MVP winners:
Week 1: Alex Highsmith, Pittsburgh Steelers
Week 2: KJ Osborn, New England Patriots
