Nakobe Dean is easy to notice on the field, a hard-hitting physical linebacker with elite instincts who leaves his mark. Off the field, his impact is even stronger.
Dean is far more than a football player for the city of Philadelphia; he is a leader in the community who uses his status and platform, the Kind Hearts 4 Lyfe Foundation, to enrich the lives of those around him.
Dean was named the NFLPA’s Week 9 Community MVP for his efforts to give back to families across Philadelphia. His “Community Giveback Doubleheader Week” was a series of events designed to help kids and families. Nakobe and his organization partnered with local groups and volunteers, including the Oral Health Impact Project, to provide 100 free dental cleanings and screenings for students. He then teamed up with KIPP Philadelphia Preparatory Academy, which transformed the gym into a beacon of kindness and giving, providing families with 1,000 winter coats, 600 meals, 300 health screenings, and 200 haircuts.
Earlier in October, Dean visited Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst in Burlington County, New Jersey, and spent time with military families.
“It means a lot to give back to the veterans. The job they do for this country is second to none." Dean said via PhiladelphiaEagles.com. "I am appreciative of them and thankful for that. With a mother and father who were both in the Army, I have a greater appreciation for what these servicemen and women do."
As part of the recognition, the NFLPA donated $10,000 to Dean’s Kind Hearts 4 Lyfe Foundation. The mission statement on their website:
Kind Hearts 4 Lyfe provides community outreach programs and services that support, assist, and positively impact the lives of people of all ages.
Dean described the roots of his ambition to help others in need.
“I’m honored to be named an NFLPA Community MVP. Giving back affords me the opportunity to uplift others by showing that small acts of kindness can make a big difference. My mom instilled in me the priceless value of helping others, which motivates me to continuously find new ways to serve and inspire others.”
Dean has given back everywhere he has been. At Georgia, Nakobe was a team captain and a national champion for the football team alongside being an engineering student. He still found time to give back by volunteering at food drives and youth camps.
The NFL is more demanding of his time, but Dean has brought the same values and his mother’s mantra to Philadelphia. “Business first, play later.”
He will always find the balance to give back to his community. His leadership on and off the field has made a difference everywhere he has been, from growing up as a quiet child in Horn Lake, Mississippi, to becoming a vocal leader on NFL fields.
Nakobe continues to make everyone around him better on and off the field. The sign of true greatness.
Learn more about his work at Kind Hearts 4 Lyfe Foundation.
As always, thank you for reading!
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