TheGrio's 100: Nnamdi Asomugha, NFL player, stresses the importance of education

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Philadelphia Eagles cornerback Nnamdi Asomugha is not only one of the best cornerbacks in the NFL today. He is also known for his commitment to giving back by providing educational opportunities for disadvantaged children in the United States and Africa.

Asomugha grew up in a Nigerian family that stressed the importance of education. In 2010, then with the Oakland Raiders, he started the Asomugha Foundation, which aims to use education as a means to bring people out of poverty. The non-profit organization has two main subdivisions: the Asomugha College Tour for Scholars (ACTS), during which Asomugha personally takes dozens of high-achieving inner city students on a college tour across the U.S., and Orphans & Widows In Need (OWIN), which provides education, vocational training and spiritual guidance to widows and orphans in Africa.

“None of us can do it on our own, and if we have someone else there behind us, it helps so much,” Asomugha said during a panel discussion as part of “NBC’s “Education Nation””:http://www.educationnation.com/index.cfm?objectid=D72CE93E-E9FC-11E0-B00E000C296BA163.

Through his foundation, Asomugha has supported dozens of disadvantaged children who need it most.

Nnamdi Asomugha is making history … with his commitment to providing educational opportunities to underserved youth. Nicknamed “The Senator” by his teammates for his off-the-field work, Asomugha has been recognized as a leader off the field in community service through his foundation.

What’s next for Nnamdi?

As Asomugha continues to score points on the football field, he will work to help children get into college and realize their dreams.

In his own words …

“Anytime that other family members from Nigeria wanted to come over, they would house them,” Asomugha said about what inspires him to give back. “You know, so there would be times when we would be at home where there would be 10 or 11 people in a house that was meant for five. There was that sort of service mentality that was always in the house.”

A little-known fact about minorities and higher eduation …

In 2008, almost three-quarters of the increase in the college freshman classes nationwide were minorities, the largest share being Hispanics, according to a Pew Research Center study.

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