Blake Bortles and Calais Campbell making impact off the field
By Tyler Derby
This past season both Calais Campbell and Blake Bortles made great contributions on the field for the Jaguars, but that’s not the only place they are contributing.
Both players have foundations that impact the lives of others year round. I am involved with both foundations and contribute on a monthly basis. So many times as fans we can focus just on the players on field accomplishments and their athletic abilities. What is neat is that athletes like Blake and Calais (and many other players around the league) understand that they have a platform because of their stardom and use it to benefit others in need. I have had the opportunity to meet both Blake and Calais and you can tell from the get go, that they don’t just want to make an impact on the football field; they also want to make an impact in their communities as well.
A cool thing Blake has been doing for several years now is a free football camp for children in the Jacksonville and Oviedo communities. Over 300 children attended last year and they look to grow that number this summer. The link to the Oviedo camp (which is Saturday April 21st) is here and the link to the Jacksonville camp (which is June 9th), is here.
If you are able, I would highly encourage to get involved in some way to help out these great foundations by either donating or volunteering your time. Both foundations have different options on how to get involved by either donating monthly, one time basis, or volunteering your time as well. Below is a description of both foundations and links to both as well. Many other Jaguars players have amazing foundations they are apart of, so I would encourage to look those up as well so we can continue to support our team on and off the field.
Blake Bortles Foundation- https://www.blakebortlesfoundation.com/
“Blake Bortles, quarterback of the Jacksonville Jaguars, established The Blake Bortles Foundation in 2016 to give back to the Jacksonville and Oviedo communities.
The Foundation supports two specific areas of need:
- Children and adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD). We provide opportunities through partnerships with organizations in Jacksonville and Oviedo to help these amazing individuals pursue full, independent lives.
- First responders in both Jacksonville and Oviedo communities. We care very deeply about our local public safety organizations, as they strengthen communities and protect our citizens.
During his junior year of high school, Blake volunteered with Challenger Football, an organization that pairs athletes with students with special needs to play football. It was there that Blake met CJ, a freshman in high school who loved sports – especially football – and has autism. Blake and CJ’s friendship developed both on and off the field, playing football, watching old games and just being boys. Their friendship has only deepened over the years continuing through Blake’s NFL career.
CJ’s friendship changed Blake’s life in many ways and now through his NFL career, Blake is able to
give back to his long time friend. A top supporter of The Arc Jacksonville, Blake has given CJ and other peers the opportunity to learn to live independently and to be extraordinary.
The foundation hosts a celebrity golf weekend each spring comprised of a celebrity golf tournament and concert series. Donors, sponsors and volunteers all come together to raise awareness and funding for local organizations like The Arc Jacksonville. Ensuring respect and support for the local public safety members, The Foundation also contributes to organizations such as The Jacksonville Police Athletic League.” – https://www.blakebortlesfoundation.com/about-the-foundation/
The Charles Richard Campbell Foundation- http://thecrcfoundation.org
“The CRC Foundation is committed to the enhancement of our community through the teaching of critical life skills to young people. Through sports, creative talents, vocational skills, financial skills, and quality health and nutrition, the CRC Foundation helps develop young people into empowered and self-aware leaders for the future.” – http://thecrcfoundation.org/who-we-are/mission/