The mans best friend has great pals from the football world where the clash of helmets and the roar of the crowd reign supreme. One such friend has stepped up to tackle a different kind of challenge saving the lives of countless shelter dogs. Meet Derrick Nnadi, the defensive tackle for the Kansas City Chiefs, whose heart extends far beyond the gridiron.
For the past four years, Nnadi has been on a mission to give at-risk dogs a second chance at life. In a heartwarming partnership with the KC Pet Project, he has sponsored the adoption fees for over 500 shelter pups, many of whom were candidates for euthanasia. It elevated him to a really unique platform, and they still just love him for this reason, says Tori Fugate, the shelters chief communications officer. This life-saving initiative was sparked by his own experience with his dog Rocky, who helped him navigate the ups and downs of his final collegiate season at Florida State.
The whole reason I started the foundation is really because of Rocky, Nnadi shared with ESPN. It made me feel empathetic for a lot of the animals that are in shelters. Witnessing Rockys timid nature due to isolation as a puppy opened Nnadis eyes to the traumas many shelter dogs endure, prompting him to take action.
Nnadis impact transcends the numbers; his actions have brought national attention to the importance of pet adoption and animal welfare. In 2020, after the Chiefs Super Bowl LIV victory, he pledged to cover the adoption fees for all 109 dogs available at the KC Pet Project, clearing the shelter in one fell swoop. This gesture not only found loving homes for these furry friends but also inspired a beer company to donate a whopping $100,000 towards dog adoptions nationwide.
As the shelter crisis continues to escalate, with overcrowding and euthanasia rates on the rise, Nnadis unwavering commitment shines as a beacon of hope. I just want to have my peace and try to help out like a big brother would, he says, exemplifying the true spirit of a champion both on and off the field.
How NFL Stars Like Nnadi, Patrick Mahomes, and more inspire pet adoption
While Nnadis efforts have garnered well-deserved attention, hes not the only Chief making a difference in the lives of four-legged friends. Quarterback Patrick Mahomes and his wife, Brittany, are proud dog parents to their pit bulls, Steel and Silver the latter named after the couples initial plan to name their future daughter Sterling. Other NFL stars like Russell Wilson, Tom Brady, and Tony Gonzalez have also used their platforms to advocate for pet adoption and animal welfare causes
