Categories: GeneralNews

Former Seattle Seahawk Cliff Avril Named 2020 Legend of the Year

Seattle, WA. Around the country, athletes have taken advantage of their elevated platforms to push for positive change in social justice, education, and global health. Former players are no exception. Cliff Avril (pictured above in the center), now retired from the offensive line as a defensive lineman for the Seattle Seahawks, has used his extended time off to make an impact in communities in and around Seattle.

Cliff Avril was named the 2020 Seahawks Legend of the Year for his commitment to the community, presented by American Family Insurance.

Recently, the Seahawks awarded Avril the 2020 Legend of the Year, recognizing the former player for everything he’s done to make an impact on individuals and communities in need. The award promises a donation of $10,000 to a foundation of Avril’s choosing.

“I just feel like I’ve been blessed with a platform,” Avril said. “I’ve been blessed to play for a great organization that supports all their players in different avenues.”

Before he retired, Avril developed the Cliff Avril Family Foundation to enlighten youth on the importance of a healthy, active lifestyle to avoid diabetes and other preventable diseases. Collectively, his organization has now received beyond $2.5 million in support from donors since its conception in 2014.

Cliff Avril donates blood prior to the COVID-19 pandemic

Avril and his nonprofit have been hard at work, putting some of that revenue to work in the past few months. Since the start of the global coronavirus pandemic, the retired athlete’s foundation has provided youth-based organizations with $50,000 in relief funding to remain afloat during COVID-19.

Outside of the U.S., Avril has partnered with fellow retired Seahawks to erect three education facilities in Haiti, the nation in which he would’ve been raised had his parents not migrated before his birth.

“I could’ve easily been one of those kids in Haiti,” Avril said. “So, as I took back on that, I want to inspire and give kids hope and give kids opportunities to be able to dream, and hopefully capitalize and achieve those dreams.”

Avril’s work stands as an exemplary beacon of hope and generosity during the oft-bleak outlook of the coronavirus. While most lack the luxury of a former professional athlete’s bank account, even the smallest contribution can help the 2020 Legend of the Year continue to make an impact in the Seattle community through donations to his nonprofit and those like them across the region.

Health workers honor Cliff Avril’s jersey during the coronavirus pandemic.

From the Cliff Avril Family Foundation:

“The Cliff Avril Family Foundation mission is to increase the awareness of Type 2 diabetes in youth and to encourage healthy living through nutrition and exercise. As well as provide educational support and opportunities to youth in Haiti, along with various community-based organizations in Jacksonville, Seattle and Charlotte.”

 

0
Nicholas Mendro

Recent Posts

The Top Nonprofits in Seattle

Seattle, WA. It's well known that Seattle is a city known for its stunning natural…

1 year ago

The Lifeline of Humanity: Nonprofits Making a Difference

Seattle, WA. We are reflecting on the meaning of Nonprofits. In a world often marred…

1 year ago

Plus One Foundation Offers Help to COVID-19 Survivors

Seattle, WA. Located near Magnolia, Plus One Foundation is a non-profit organization dedicated to serving…

3 years ago

Literature Lives On At Book-It Repertory Theatre

Seattle, WA. The Book-It Repertory Theatre has been putting on all-audio productions throughout the pandemic.…

3 years ago

Gates Foundation Discovery Center Launches New Exhibit: Enduring COVID-19

Seattle, WA. The Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation Discovery Center remains closed to visitors, but…

3 years ago

‘One Day Wages’ Continues International Work Throughout Pandemic

Seattle, WA. One Day Wages is a nonprofit working to fight extreme poverty around the…

3 years ago