“Brandon has been supporting the clubs for the duration of his time with the Vikings. Last year, he came through and he supported us at another Thanksgiving event. He did kind of a Shop with a Jock opportunity for a lot of those kids, as well,” Director of Corporate and Public Relations of the Boys & Girls Clubs of the Twin Cities Tim Schober imparted. “It’s awesome, especially the story he brings because he’s a club alum, so being able to share that has been tremendous.”
Obviously, crowds gravitate to Powell because of his status as a football player. His status as a former club member, however, made it easier for him to find common ground with the young people.
That connection amplified the purposefulness of Powell’s appearance, too.
“He really is authentic in his interest and his passion and his caring for these young people,” Schober said. “He’s meeting them where they’re at, trying to understand who they are, what their passions and interests are, and then he wants to share his story. That’s the thing that’s really important here is that they know him as a football player – they see him every Sunday, they’re like, ‘Hey, there’s No. 4, I know this guy.’ – but now they actually see that human side of him, and when they see him actually giving back, it really humanizes him. And that’s where he can say, ‘Hey, look, I’m not just this football player.’ “
Playing for the Vikings is Powell’s job, but it doesn’t begin to quantify his character.
He’s big-hearted and kind; he’s easy-going and patient, and mindful of the power he wields.
