That’s no joke. The San Francisco 49ers star linebacker and Defensive Player of the Year candidate is donating $5,099 to the Boys and Girls Club of America for every sack he makes on his way to the league record. Smith’s overall donation will be split between the Boys and Girls Club of San Francisco and the Boys and Girls Club of the Peninsula.
Yahoo News reports that Smith, who had 19.5 sacks going into Sunday’s competition against the New England Patriots, has donated $99,430.50 so far.
In a statement released on 49ers.com, Smith is quoted:
“I am excited to be able to give back to my community. Now, in addition to playing to win games, I am playing to raise much needed money for a great organization that makes a huge difference in the lives of millions of young people.”
It’s rare to see an athlete in today’s era of inflated contracts be so selfless with his money. $100,000 is enough money to buy a brand new luxury car. Instead of being self-indulgent, Smith has chosen to do something worthwhile and possibly life changing for troubled youth in the San Francisco Bay Area.
In the same article on 49ers.com, Executive Director of the Boys and Girls Club of the Peninsula, Peter Fortenbaugh, is quoted as saying:
“We are excited to have Aldon Smith’s support and appreciate his involvement. In an area where 50 percent of children drop out of high school, Aldon is helping our youth develop the academic and life skills they need to graduate high school prepared for college or career. His gift allows our children to imagine the possibilities their futures may hold.”
In two years in the NFL, Aldon Smith has already made quite an impression. His exploits on Monday Night Football in 2011 against the Pittsburgh Steeler can be read in this previous Inquisitr article.
While Aldon Smith may be what sports fans call a “beast” on the field, he clearly understands his importance as a role model in the community and is not afraid to put his money where his mouth is.