In 2005, Braylon Edwards, then a rookie for the Cleveland Browns, made a promise to 100 area eighth graders: If they could graduate high school with at least a 2.5 grade-point average and 15 hours’ community service, he would give each of them a $10,000 scholarship.
Six years later, the NFLer is making good on his promise. Seventy-nine of those kids met his criteria and have begun their first year of college in campuses all across the country, including Harvard. In addition to giving away $790,000 in scholarships, Edwards also bought each student a laptop.
“I’m supposed to give people a chance like I was given a chance,” Edwards said.
What’s even more remarkable is Edward’s salary this season as a member of the San Francisco 49ers only totaled $1 million, meaning he nearly gave away his entire salary to provide an opportunity for these kids.
David Gholston, a freshman at Bowling Green State University, told ESPN, “Without this scholarship, I probably wouldn’t be here.”
With news that Edwards was just cut from the 49ers due to an injury, I hope Karma repays the good-hearted athlete for giving local Cleveland kids a chance.
Brande Victorian is a blogger and culture writer in New York City. Follower her on Twitter at @be_vic.
More on Madame Noire!
- The 10 Best Love Songs of 2011
- New Year, New Love, New You
- Daddy’s Little Girl: Our Favorite Papa’s and Their Little Princesses
- Celebrity Hair Spotlight: Selita Ebanks
- Ratchet Relatives That Can Make the Holidays a Hot Mess
- Tamar Braxton Considering Babies and Hair Care Line
