Braylon Edwards: In an effort to advance 100 inner city youth to college, this New York Jets wide receiver recently cashed in on his promise to pay the students’ college tuition in exchange for their community service and high GPA scores.
(Photo by Scott Legato/Getty Images for Braylon Edwards Foundation)
Dwyane Wade: Wade recently hosted “Party With a Purpose” charity weekend, in Florida, to raise proceeds for his D-Wade All Star Basket Ball Camp and Kids 2 Camp Fund. His Wade’s World Foundation supports and provides a myriad of health, education and athletic initiatives for at-risk youth year-round.
(AP Photo/Evan Agostini)
Charles Woodson: This generous Green Bay Packers defensive back recently donated $2 million dollars to the C.S. Mott Children’s Hospital in Michigan, which is scheduled to open in 2012.
(Photo by D Dipasupil/FilmMagic)
Kevin Durant: This ball player has taken his game overseas as he recently concluded a basketball camp tour, along with Wizards’ Yi Jianlian, in China. Durant shared his personal basketball stories and motivated local hoopers to continuously pursue their dreams.
(AP Photo/Alexander F. Yuan)
David Bruton: While the NFL remains in a lockout, this Bronco safety went back to school – to teach. Bruton returned to his hometown in Ohio to work as a substitute teacher educating high-school students in a variety of subjects, mainly social studies.
(Photo by Doug Pensinger/Getty Images)
Kobe Bryant: Lakers superstar Kobe Bryant is making a difference around the world as he is currently hosting a five city Asian basketball camp tour. The tour recently kicked off in Seoul, Korea.
(AP Photo/ Lee Jin-man)
Ndamukong Suh: The NFL rookie of the year recently hosted a youth football camp, and is gearing up to break his Tweetup World Record again this month in which proceeds will benefit the Ndamukong Suh Foundation.
(Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images)
Carmelo Anthony: The New York Knicks’ small forward has doled out cash to several non-profits through his self-titled foundation he often sponsors special events and programs in underserved communities.
(AP Photo/Chris Pizzello)
Asante Samuel: The Philadelphia Eagle defensive back, Asante Samuel has collaborated with Habitat for Humanity to build homes for low-income single mothers through his Bring It Home Single Moms Foundation.
(Photo by Nick Laham/Getty Images)
Tracy McGrady: The Tracy McGrady Foundation supports several youth programs and initiatives; namely, the Boys & Girls Club and Special Olympics. His foundation has expanded its efforts to provide assistance for refugees residing in Darfur.
(Photo by Mike Ehrmann/Getty Images)
With no end in sight for the NBA and NFL lockout, pro-sports fans everywhere await the outcome of this year’s season in angst. Meanwhile, more than a dozen athletes continue to exhibit good sportsmanship, while off the court and field.
In contrast to their ill-mannered, fellow ballers, these players spend their free time supporting local charities and doling out cash in support of community initiatives nationally and internationally.
Here is our compilation of the top ten most philanthropic athletes who are racking up some serious off-court and field advantages.
