The crowd’s roar and the collision of helmets rule supreme in the world of football, where the man’s best friend has great friends. One friend in particular has taken up a new responsibility by volunteering to save the lives of numerous shelter canines. Introducing Derrick Nnadi, the Kansas City Chiefs defensive tackle whose heart goes well beyond the field.

Nnadi has been working to give at-risk dogs a second chance at life for the past four years. Almost 500 shelter puppies, many of which were headed toward euthanasia, have had their adoption fees sponsored by him thanks to a touching collaboration with the KC Pet Project. The chief communications officer of the shelter, Tori Fugate, adds, “It elevated him to a really unique platform, and they still just love him for this reason.” His own relationship with his dog Rocky, who supported him through the highs and lows of his final season as a Florida State student, served as the inspiration for this life-saving project.

“It’s really all because of Rocky that I started the foundation,” Nnadi told ESPN. “It helped me develop empathy for many of the animals living in shelters.” Nnadi became aware of the suffering many shelter dogs go through after seeing Rocky’s shy personality as a result of being alone as a puppy. This realization inspired him to take action.

Nnadi’s influence goes beyond the statistics; via his acts, he has raised awareness of animal care and the value of adopting pets across the country. Following the Chiefs’ Super Bowl LIV triumph in 2020, he promised to pay the adoption costs for every one of the 109 dogs up for adoption at the KC Pet Project, effectively closing the shelter in one fell stroke. In addition to finding these furry creatures loving homes, this deed motivated a beer company to contribute a staggering $100,000 to dog adoptions around the country.

Nnadi’s unrelenting commitment shines as a beacon of hope as the shelter crisis worsens, with overcrowding and euthanasia rates rising. He embodies the real attitude of a champion both on and off the field when he adds, “I just want to have my peace and try to help out like a big brother would.”

How NFL Players Like Patrick Mahomes, Nnadi, and Others Encourage Adoption of Pets

Although Nnadi has received much-deserved recognition for his actions, he is not the only Chief improving the lives of his four-legged companions. Pit bulls Steel and Silver, the latter named after the couple’s original idea to call their future daughter “Sterling,” are the proud dogs of quarterback Patrick Mahomes and his wife Brittany. A number of other NFL players, including Tony Gonzalez, Tom Brady, and Russell Wilson, have also utilized their platforms to promote animal care and pet adoption.

These athletes are leading by example, demonstrating how celebrity and power can be used to further causes that have a real impact on communities and promote social change. Through their “15 and the Mahomies Foundation,” Mahomes and Brittany collaborated with the KC Pet Project in 2019, enabling the adoption of more than 70 canines in a single weekend.

However, their influence goes beyond actual adoptions. Through posting about their affection for their animal friends on social media, they encourage their followers to think about adopting animals from shelters and foster a culture of responsibility and care for dogs. According to chief communications officer Tori Fugate of the KC Pet Project, “I had a couple come in from out of town, and I asked them, ‘What drove you to come in?'” “Well, we noticed that the Chiefs player is in favor of it,” they stated.

The inspirational tales of these sportsmen take us beyond the realm of competition and serve as a constant reminder that genuine greatness is measured not only by skill on the field but also by compassion for others outside of it. One paw print at a time, their devotion to animal welfare and affection for their pets serves as a call to action for all of us to welcome those in need into our homes and hearts. “To be honest, my dog Steel is my spirit animal because I am the same person as my dog Steel—I mean, he’s just a dog,” Mahomes stated.