[quote]By Alex Garcia
Opinions Editor
Photo by Jody Lee Smith[/quote]

Over the past years, we’ve seen many NFL players being charged with domestic violence, drug use, getting arrested, being fined, suspended, or put in a negative spotlight that led to them being looked down on. The nation saw this with players like Greg Hardy and Ray Rice with domestic violence cases, Junior Galette’s arrests, Adrian Peterson’s child abuse case, etc. More and more we see negativity from the media on  football players, this causes them to lose credibility on being role models in their communities. However, there are many players that should be admired for how they continue to inspire fans with their stories and outreach to the community. Many NFL players spread awareness for other important issues, spark leadership in the youth, provide acts of generosity, and inspire by donating their lives to these occasions and organizations.

Anyone who loves the Chicago Bears will know the name Brandon Marshall. He is a popular NFL wide receiver; the word ‘great’ doesn’t even begin to describe the athletic talent and personal story he has as a professional receiver. Through his four teams and 10 years in the NFL, Brandon Marshall has suffered personal struggles on and off the field with his borderline personality disorder. He broke out in anger, disobeyed rules, and even got kicked off or traded to other teams. Finally, in his own miracle story, he has overcome almost impossible odds, managed his issues, and continues to be a better player and a positive role model. Since 2011, Brandon has started his non-profit foundation, Project Borderline, to spread awareness, educate people on mental illness, and raise money to assist those trying to find a cure for those suffering similarly to how he did.

During the summer of 2014, millions posted videos performing the ALS ice bucket challenge  to raise awareness for ALS. Steve Gleason is one the most inspirational and famous people with ALS, Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis. Once a safety in the NFL for the New Orleans Saints, he is now restricted to a wheelchair. He recently had a statue built outside the Mercedes Benz Superdome of his most notably play; his blocked punt for a touchdown in the first game back in New Orleans after Hurricane Katrina in 2006. Steve Gleason continues to go to his team’s games, and live his life as he normally would. As a survivor of ALS, he never knows when his battle will end but until then, Team Gleason, his foundation for a cure for ALS, will continue to move forward, in hopes of a cure. All the money donated goes to research for the cure and to the manufacturer of technology for people who have ALS.

Every year, the NFL awards one man who has gone above and beyond to support their communities and their causes. The Walter Payton Man of the Year award is given to players who have dedicated hours and hours to charity, their communities, and volunteer work. In 2014, the award was given to outside linebacker Thomas Davis of the Carolina Panthers. He received the award on behalf of himself and his wife, Kelly Thomas, for their foundation, The Thomas Davis Defending Dreams Foundation. The foundation provides two college scholarships for graduating high school seniors who have completed the Youth Leadership Academy programs. The foundation tries to change lives of underprivileged children giving hope and doing whatever necessary to achieve their dreams.

There are so many reasons to think of NFL players as inspirations rather than the headline in next week’s sports drama, or men who abuse their popularity. While some players lose their self-control and create bad names for the organization, there are great players that use all their effort to take a stand and fight for important issues and continue to inspire people all over the world. The amazing actions players take is what should shine through the clouded judgments of fans.