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In the several years of his career in the NFL, Philadelphia Eagles defensive end Chris Long has become quite involved in other ventures away from the game in helping out those in need. Long makes an effort to help those he can as he has established his presence off the field helping others.
The 32-year-old is now onto another commendable project by joining a cause with MMA fighter Justin Wren to raise $10,000 to get clean water to the Mbuti Pygmies in the Democratic Republic of Congo by climbing Mount Kilimanjaro. A noble cause to the say the least, especially coming off a grueling season in which he played 19 games.
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This marks the third time that Long will have climbed Mt. Kilimanjaro as he will making this venture on behalf of Waterboys, which is an organization that works toward bringing clean water to East African communities that are in need. According to their website, the group has helped provide these areas with “clean, safe, and sustainable water access” by using local crews to drill deep borehole wells that serve up to 7,500 people.
The organization also listed its primary goal to install 32 wells that would represent each of the 32 NFL teams. However, the cost of each well sits at $45,000, which makes the hike that Long is participating another step closer to reaching that mark. Again, an admirable feat for the 32-year-old defensive end who may be nearing the end of his playing career.
Long is committed to this cause as the website has posted that he has helped raise nearly $150,000 to help get clean water to these communities East Africa that are affected. He had posted a video via social media on Monday showing the type of water the families are forced to use on a daily basis.
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There are several other notable NFL players that have helped the cause such as Los Angeles Rams' outside linebacker Connor Barwin and punter Johnny Hekker along with Chicago Bears' offensive guard Kyle Long, Tennessee Titans' offensive tackle Taylor Lewan, Jacksonville Jaguars' defensive end Calais Campbell, Dallas Cowboys' offensive guard Zach Martin, Cleveland Browns' defensive end Myles Garrett, and former Houston Texans linebacker Brian Cushing.
Long has been quite active in using his elevated platform to help those in need as gave up his first game checks for this past season to provide two scholarships for students in his hometown of Charlottesville, Virginia. He followed that up by donating the rest to help launch the Pledge 10 for Tomorrow campaign.
