More Than Just Football: Richard Sherman And Blanket Coverage
By Keith Myers
This time of year is especially annoying for most of us that cover the NFL. Not only is there no football to cover, but it seems that the only news that the league seems to generate is players getting arrested. It leads to an incorrect perception that the NFL has serious character problems that are systemic throughout the league. Well, I’m tired of it.
Instead, I’m going to spend this last week before training camp highlighting some of the positive things that our Seattle Seahawks are doing for our community. Many spend considerable time and money doing good things, but that stuff never never shows up on the news or in a newspaper.
Jun 12, 2013; Renton, WA, USA; Seattle Seahawks cornerback Richard Sherman (25) participates in minicamp practice at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center. Mandatory Credit: Joe Nicholson-USA TODAY Sports
I’ve decided to start with Richard Sherman and the recently announced Blanket Coverage. This is the primary focus of the Richard Sherman Family Foundation, and was one of the foundations that benefitted from Sherman’s celebrity softball game last week.
Here’s all the necessary info, in convenient FAQ format:
Who’s All Apart Of This?
Just Sherman and his family. No other NFL players are involved, though many have already chipped in to help with his fundraising efforts. The celebrity softball game was a huge success, and wouldn’t have been so had it not been for the participation of so many other players.
What Does The Foundation Do?
I could tell you, but why not use Richard Sherman’s own words to describe the purpose of the foundation:
"To ensure that as many children as possible can be provided with the proper school supplies and adequate clothing."
Where Can I Find More Information?
The foundation doesn’t have a webpage that I can find, but it does have a Facebook Page to help inform people as to what they do, why they are doing it, and what they’re currently working on. Included are a couple of videos of Sherman doing interviews about his foundation. It’s definitely worth a look.
Is There Anything I Can Do To Help?
The foundation has another fundraising event coming up on July 20th. It’s called Strikes4kids. It’s a bowling night in West Seattle. If you can afford to go, the money generated will be able to help a lot of kids. You can get more information by clicking on the link above.
The foundation has also put out a call for donations of t-shirts and other items. It’s posted on the foundation’s Facebook Page in case you or your business is able to help.