Tis’ the season of giving from the NFL. According to the Denver Broncos official website, linebacker Von Miller and some of his teammates have donated $200,000 to an organization that is aiming to better protect first responders in active-shooting situations.
The program in which the Broncos are donating funds is called SHIELD616. It is a non-for-profit entity that will provide “advanced protective kits to to its first responders.” Per the report, the kits contain enhancements to standard protective wear worn by law enforcement and firefighters.
Miller spoke on his team’s collective efforts to help SHIELD616
“When I heard there’s been more than 300 mass shootings in the last year alone, I felt like we needed to do something for those who protect us,” Miller said, per Aric DiLalla of the Broncos website. “I hope that we can all help bridge the gap and work to improve relationships with law enforcement in our communities.”
Jake Skifstad, the founder and president of SHIELD616, shared his gratification for the Broncos’ donation.
“It’s priceless to see complete strangers invest in the safety of first responders, changing their lives and the lives of their families, Skifstad said. We are humbled and proud to see that Von Miller, his teammates and the Broncos are utilizing their God-given leadership gifts and influence to not only better protect our protectors but to also help build positive community relations.”
According to the report, the Broncos will give out more than 125 SHIELD616 kits following their Dec. 20th practice at UCHealth Training Center.
What an amazing effort on behalf of Miller and the Broncos to shift their focus from football to the violence issues that have been sadly plaguing the country in recent years.