Watch CBS News

Chris Long To Donate Final 10 Checks For Education Funding In Philly, Boston, St. Louis

PHILADELPHIA (CBS) -- Actions speak louder than words. A veteran Eagles player is making a big play off the field in an effort to help students win in the classroom.

Thirty-two-year-old Eagles defensive end Chris Long made headlines for his generosity, when he announced in September he will donate his first six game checks towards scholarship funding in his hometown of Charlottesville.

Now, Long is taking things a step further. The Chris Long Foundation announced on Wednesday that Long will donate his final 10 checks, in addition to his first six checks, towards education funding in Philadelphia, Boston, and St. Louis as part of his Pledge 10 campaign.

"What we can all agree on, for sure, that can help our country, it is pouring more into our youth and into equity and education and opportunity and education," Long said at press conference on Wednesday night.

Long is giving away about $400,000 to Summer Search, Little Bit and College Bound, all of which are organizations that help students better themselves.

Long says he's getting a lot of support at home on his decision to make such a big play.

"My wife Maggie, she's awesome. I'll come home on a Wednesday and be like, 'I think I'm going to play for free this year,' and she's like, 'oh, that's really cool. Tell me more about it.' It's not like, 'what they hell is wrong with you?'"

Chris Long
Chris Long is making a big play off the field in an effort to help students win in the classroom. (credit: Justin Udo)

Long is encouraging others to donate to his cause. He says he'll give an additional $50,000 to city that raises the most money for those designated charities.

Long had previously announced The Chris Long Scholarships in Charlottesville were created to "promote equality through education by providing two students with a seven-year all expenses paid school program."

Related: Chris Long: 'I'm Here To Show Support As A White Athlete'

Long joined Eskin on his podcast, released on Wednesday, to discuss this season and his donation of game checks.

 

You can donate to Long's Pledge 10 campaign here

Long was one of the attendees -- along with teammate Malcolm Jenkins -- at the NFL and NFLPA meeting in New York on Tuesday, where players and executive discussed social injustices and how the NFL can make a difference.

Long spoke out about the events that took place in Charlottesville in August. He's also supported Jenkins in his protest against racial inequality during the National Anthem.

In six games this season, Long has 2.0 sacks and 1 forced fumble for the Eagles.

View CBS News In
CBS News App Open
Chrome Safari Continue
Be the first to know
Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting.