History of NFL's Inspire Change initiative

NFL Inspire Change, in conjunction with the Clark County Library District, hosted a grand opening to celebrate the local launch of Barbershop Books. This non-profit organization focuses on creating child-friendly reading spaces for boys 8 and below in barbershops - with the hope of inspiring reading and reducing reading trauma.

Football has a way of bridging divides - and that's certainly true in Los Angeles, where a coed youth football program was formed in 2013 to connect the LAPD and the community of Watts. This past year, the program's 10-year milestone was honored with a game that serves as a powerful expression of the Watts Rams' impact and growth since being adopted by the "other" Rams-- , the city's NFL franchise.

NFL Network's Omar Ruiz shines light on NFL players, owners and organizations as we review the NFL's Inspire Change Inititiative throughout the 2023 season.

Kevvy's Vision is a non-profit organization founded by Bears' Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year Award nominee, Jaylon Johnson. The organization honors Johnson's best friend, who was a pillar in the Fresno community before tragedy changed everything.

NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell shares his experience visiting the Restorative Correctional facility.

In 2017, Anquan Boldin and Malcolm Jenkins founded The Players Coalition, an advocacy group working to improve social justice and racial equality. Six years after its inception, the coalition has spread to over a dozen leagues and raised nearly $50 million in cumulative grants… and as task force member Doug Baldwin explains, its impact continues to grow.For more information on the players coalition and their achievements go to players-coalition.org.

NFL Network's MJ Acosta-Ruiz discusses how the NFL's social justice initiatives are impacting communities across America.

Founder of Barbershop Books Alvin Irby discusses partnership with the NFL for Inspire Change Super Bowl event, and more.

The NFL is highlighting changemakers in our communities who are working to Inspire Change, laying the groundwork for the next generation.

The NFL is shining the spotlight on everyday mentors helping our next generation and working to Inspire Change.

As we come to the end of the regular season, the NFL is shining a light on all the amazing work from the Inspire Change Initiative. Formed during the 2017 season, Inspire Change brings players, owners and organizations together to create positive change in our communities. The NFL Network's Patrick Claybon has more…

Colts linebacker Zaire Franklin is dedicated to making an impact in his hometown of Philadelphia. Through the charitable organization named after his late mother Shelice, Zaire works to support young women in their efforts to achieve financial literacy and professional growth. For more information about Zaire Franklin's Shelice's Angels go to nfl.com/inspirechange.

San Francisco 49ers defensive end Arik Armstead discusses what "Inspire Change" means to him through his organization "Armstead Academic Project" in the community.

A few years ago a bill was passed to start research on building a trail in Texas from Galveston to Houston. This route is where freed slaves traveled after hearing about their emancipation in 1865. Join Cincinnati Bengals safety Michael Thomas as he travels that trail to learn more about the history of Juneteenth.

NFL Media, Los Angeles Chargers join forces with the Brotherhood Crusade to inform the youth about health, education, economic development, and institutional building to learn, thrive, connect, and serve the community of Inglewood, CA.

For more information on The Brotherhood Crusade, please visit NFL.com/inspirechange.

Mac McCain III, the grandson of a civil rights icon, honors the legacy of HBCU stars that have made an impact in the NFL and beyond.

The Brotherhood Crusade has been at the forefront of social justice for the community of Inglewood, California for 54 years. These NFL Changemakers have partnered with the Chargers to ensure their students 'Bolt Up' the success ladder.

For more on "The Brotherhood Crusade" and how you can support their mission, visit the "Inspire Change" tab on NFL.com.

How Pro Football Hall of Fame running back Jim Brown took athletes' social activism to a new level | 'Inspire Change'

Alabama Appleseed is an Inspire Change grant partner that is making a difference by helping to free over-sentenced individuals from the prison system.

Former NFL All Rookie Special Teamer Johnson Bademosi has been a vocal advocate for grassroots organizations that push criminal justice reform in his hometown of Washington D.C. One of these organizations, The Free Minds Book Club uses literary techniques to help address trauma and build community support for positive re-entry into society.

To find out more about Free Minds Book Club and their impact visit the Inspire Change tab on NFL.com.

Dr. Topeka K. Sam, founder of Ladies of Hope Ministries, talks about how she's advocating for formerly imprisoned women to have a second chance at life by giving them shelter in the "HOPE House."

When it comes to the phrase love thy neighbor, the Jacksonville Jaguars really practice what they preach. The team, alongside Changemaker award winner, Suzanne Pickett and local business owners have begun a revitalization project on the Historic OutEast community that will benefit generations to come. To learn more about the Jaguars efforts OutEast visit their social impact page on Instagram @jaguarsfoundation.

Using specialized metrics measuring a candidate's HOPE score, the Devoted Dreamers academy looks beyond sports to find the next generation's football superstars and future generation's leaders. As the final selections are made, Don, Devionne, and Tory get a dose of inspiration as they see the possibilities of what football has to offer firsthand.

One of Buffalo Bills offensive lineman Dion Dawkins many off-the field contributions to the city of Buffalo, comes in the form of Mentoring. Along with his organization, Dion's Dreamers, Dion has also done work with the Big Brothers and Big Sisters organization in Buffalo. MENTOR is the largest connector of mentorship opportunities in the country. They work connecting organizations like Big Brother, Big Sisters of America locally to any adults looking for mentorship opportunities making it easier than ever to give back to your community.

Since 2018, Saquon Barkley has donated countless hours to the Covenant House New Jersey, a homeless shelter that also provides job training and social skills to homeless youth. As the official spokesperson for Covenant House New Jersey and 2022 Walter Payton Man of the Year nominee, Saquon has not only inspired other donors to give money and time but has also given the homeless youth of New Jersey a reason not to give up. To see this story and more like it, visit our website at www.nfl.com/causes/inspire-change/.