Despite making almost $100M in career earnings, one former NFL player has spent the last 5 years transforming communities and saving lives in Eastern Africa.
Time for a thread 👇👇👇
Time for a thread 👇👇👇
1) In 2013, Chris Long traveled to Tanzania in an attempt to summit Mount Kilimanjaro - the highest peak in Africa.
Long conquered the summit and returned down the mountain with an immense amount of gratitude toward the region.
Long conquered the summit and returned down the mountain with an immense amount of gratitude toward the region.
2) Back at the hotel, Chris Long ran into Joe Buck and Doug Pitt - Brad Pitt's brother.
What were they doing in Tanzania?
As Goodwill Ambassador to Tanzania, Doug Pitt was in town building a sustainable water well.
Joe Buck had traveled with Pitt to volunteer his help.
What were they doing in Tanzania?
As Goodwill Ambassador to Tanzania, Doug Pitt was in town building a sustainable water well.
Joe Buck had traveled with Pitt to volunteer his help.
3) At the hotel bar, Doug Pitt and Joe Buck explained the problem.
The facts:
- 785M people, or 1 in 9 globally, lack basic drinking water.
- 1 in 5 child deaths under 5 are from water-related illness.
- By 2025, half of the world’s population will live in water-stressed areas.
The facts:
- 785M people, or 1 in 9 globally, lack basic drinking water.
- 1 in 5 child deaths under 5 are from water-related illness.
- By 2025, half of the world’s population will live in water-stressed areas.
4) After seeing the lack of clean & drinkable water firsthand, Chris Long was deeply disturbed.
"When you see a four-year-old kid drinking water from the same pond where animals defecate — you cannot help but be motivated to do something."
Back in the US, Chris Long took action
"When you see a four-year-old kid drinking water from the same pond where animals defecate — you cannot help but be motivated to do something."
Back in the US, Chris Long took action
5) In 2015, Chris Long teamed up with other NFL players to launch the "Waterboys".
As a Waterboy, you have one mission:
"To provide clean, accessible drinking water to communities in need."
The group set out to install 32 water wells in Tanzania - one for each NFL team.
As a Waterboy, you have one mission:
"To provide clean, accessible drinking water to communities in need."
The group set out to install 32 water wells in Tanzania - one for each NFL team.
6) With an individual well costing $50,000, Chris Long started to look for unique ways to educate and raise money.
This is where “Conquering Kili” came in.
Long and former NFL player/Army Green Beret Nate Boyer started organizing a fundraising climb of Mount Kilimanjaro.
This is where “Conquering Kili” came in.
Long and former NFL player/Army Green Beret Nate Boyer started organizing a fundraising climb of Mount Kilimanjaro.
7) Chris Long and Nate Boyer started recruiting NFL alumni and retired military personnel to attempt the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro.
Each person had a fundraising goal, with the total money raised being put toward the installation of additional water wells in Tanzania.
Each person had a fundraising goal, with the total money raised being put toward the installation of additional water wells in Tanzania.
8) The Conquering Kili initiative alone would’ve been commendable, but seeing the impact their mission for clean water had on local citizens, Chris Long doubled down.
In the years since, Chris Long has worked with NBA player Malcom Brogdon to expand the initiative within the NBA
In the years since, Chris Long has worked with NBA player Malcom Brogdon to expand the initiative within the NBA
9) In 2018, Malcolm Brogdon started Hoops2O - a group of NBA players with the same mission.
Within the first year, Hoops2O raised over $275k - which provided clean water for thousands of Tazanian residents.
They even got an assist from Charles Barkley.
Within the first year, Hoops2O raised over $275k - which provided clean water for thousands of Tazanian residents.
They even got an assist from Charles Barkley.
10) In total, the Waterboys and its respective affiliates, have provided clean & accessible water to over 350,000 people.
The best part?
They are just getting started.
The group has expanded to communities within the US and has a goal of providing water to 1 million people.
The best part?
They are just getting started.
The group has expanded to communities within the US and has a goal of providing water to 1 million people.
11) We're often force fed stories of professional athletes getting in trouble or losing their money.
In this case, it's refreshing to see Chris Long display an incredible amount of humbleness, hard work, and compassion - ultimately saving thousands of lives.
In this case, it's refreshing to see Chris Long display an incredible amount of humbleness, hard work, and compassion - ultimately saving thousands of lives.
12) Want to get involved?
A $30 donation provides water access to a family in need.
I made my donation, did you make yours?
Get involved here: waterboys.org
A $30 donation provides water access to a family in need.
I made my donation, did you make yours?
Get involved here: waterboys.org
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