Jets make $1M donation among 4 organizations

The New York Jets made a $1 million donation to four organizations as part of the team’s social justice, inclusion and diversity efforts.

All Stars Project, Innocence Project, New York Urban League, and Year Up , which have the the goal of reducing barriers and creating opportunities for individuals in need, each will get $250,000.

Jets players, coaches, and staff will volunteer time and expertise on various upcoming projects with each organization.

“We wanted to contribute to these organizations and help push our community forward,” says Jets President Hymie Elhai. “It is our hope through these partnerships that we can positively affect the access, equity and rights of those in need.”

The Jets Social Justice, Diversity and Inclusion Team, along with club ownership, senior executives, and players identified focus areas in which to make an impact: poverty; race equality, diversity and inclusion; criminal justice reform; police-community relations; access to education; and healthcare.

SANTA JOEL

Browns Pro Bowl guard Joel Bitonio grew out his beard during the pandemic. He doesn’t have the belly, but the facial hair helped him look more like Santa Claus.

He played like Saint Nick this week.

Bitonio and his family gave needy local children a holiday lift by providing gift cards for them to use to buy presents for themselves and others. He also teamed with Meijer in giving gaming systems to Cleveland Neighborhood Resource and Recreation Centers.

In recent years, Bitonio and his wife, Courtney, have done the Christmas giveaway in person at a store, but were forced to do it virtually in 2020. That didn’t soften the impact of his generosity or message.

“While Courtney and I will definitely miss shopping with the kids, it was important to us to still find a way to bring a smile to their faces and create great memories for them this year,” says Bitonio, who has a young daughter, Zoey.

Bitonio was voted to his third consecutive Pro Bowl this week. He’s the first Cleveland guard to do that since Hall of Famer Gene Hickerson was elected six straight times from 1966-71.

SMITH BROTHERS

Green Bay Packers outside linebackers Preston Smith and Za’Darius Smith aren’t related, but they’re still very good friends. The bond between the two teammates was evident from the Christmas present Preston received from Za’Darius: a white Jeep.