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Report: NFL GMs, coaches to donate more than $500K for COVID-19 relief

Feb 5, 2017; Houston, TX, USA; New England Patriots head coach Bill Belichick celebrates after defeating the Atlanta Falcons during Super Bowl LI at NRG Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

The NFL community has stepped up more than ever during the COVID-19 pandemic, with more than $50 million raised for relief efforts. Now with the 2020 NFL Draft just days away, general managers and head coaches around the league are set to step up with their support.

General managers across the league agreed to give $1,000 for each of their picks made this year to the NFL’s Draft-A-Thon, per NBC Sports’ Peter King. Each general manager will each donate at least $8,000 to match the 255 picks and one 2019 supplemental draft pick for the draft.

Furthermore, many coaches have already agreed to also make donations toward the fight against the COVID-19 pandemic. More than three-quarters of coaches are already on board with donating to the Draft-A-Thon and once all of them buy-in, they will have raised $512,000 for the three-day telethon.

The Draft-A-Thon, which will be hosted by NFL Network’s Rich Eisen and Deion Sanders, will feature athletes and celebrities all raising money for COVID-19 relief efforts. The money will be divided equally among six organizations playing critical roles during the pandemic.

The money will go towards the American Red Cross, Feeding America, Meals on Wheels America, the CDC Foundation’s All of Us: Combat Coronavirus Campaign, the Salvation Army and the United Way.

Coaches and general managers will join a growing list of people within the NFL family who have provided incredible donations to organizations and people in need during this pandemic.

The Carolina Panthers owner donated $2.65 million, Atlanta Falcons owner Arthur Blank pledged $5.4 million. Alongside them, team owners for the Jacksonville JaguarsArizona CardinalsCleveland Browns and Philadelphia Eagles each donated at least $1 million to COVID-19 relief efforts.

NFL players have also stepped up during this time of crisis. Drew Brees donated $5 million towards Louisiana’s COVID-19 relief, Houston Texans offensive tackle Laremy Tunsil pledged $250,000 to those struggling during the pandemic and Tom Brady has stepped up as well.

The 2020 NFL Draft will certainly provide an escape for many seeking entertainment during a difficult time. But it will also be a crucial step in providing all kinds of support for those who badly need it right now.

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