NFL quarterback and Alabama native Jameis Winston gave away $25,000 in free meals to Birmingham families on Friday.
“People in this city and people all over the world are going through a tough time right now so the least I can do is come out here and serve my community the best way I can,” Winston told CBS 42.
The Hueytown High School graduate is now a quarterback for the New Orleans Saints.
According to ABC 33/40, Winston’s donation fueled meal giveaways at Brighton Elementary in Bessemer and McAdory High School in McCalla on Friday afternoon.
Winston and his wife, Breion, partnered with Kikstart Inc. for the charitable initiative.
Winston’s Birmingham giveaway is not his only COVID-19 related gift.
He gave $30,000 to keep afloat locally-owned restaurants in Tampa Bay, where he played for several seasons with the Buccaneers, and gave another $25,000 to Metropolitan Ministries, which helps at-risk individuals in the Tampa area.
“God has given me a great platform, being a professional quarterback, so the least I can is come back and serve these kids and help as many people as I can,” Winston continued.
Winston did not just give money for the meals, he helped personally give them away.
Watch:
New Orleans Saints quarterback and Birmingham native Jameis Winston back in his hometown distributing free meals to families in need while donating $25,000. "Winston says, "It's a blessing to serve his community. " @CBS_42 @Jaboowins @hytfootball @Saints #WhoDat #Saints pic.twitter.com/n5ZyVUXm5Z
— Ronald Gaines, Jr. (@RonGSports) May 8, 2020
@Jaboowins is back home handing out meals to children in need. More tonight at 6! @WBRCnews @Saints pic.twitter.com/Rzz6Pwr7nP
— ChristinaChambers (@ChristinaChamb) May 8, 2020
Henry Thornton is a staff writer for Yellowhammer News. You can contact him by email: henry@new-yhn.local or on Twitter @HenryThornton95