Oakland Raiders FB Oren O’Neal recently donated $1,000 to the athletic department of the high school in his hometown of Stuttgart, Arkansas. Having played for the Stuttgart Ricebirds himself, the funds contributed by O’Neal will help the athletic department as a whole, whether it is improvement for the equipment, facilities or activities.
This past season, O’Neal was selected by the Raiders to be the team’s candidate for the Walter Payton Man of the Year award. The NFL donates $1,000 on behalf of each team’s candidate to their charity of choice.
For O’Neal, there were many important reasons to give back to the community he came from, chiefly ensuring the continuity of the program that gave him a chance. “From what I’ve seen, the participation levels have been down. It wasn’t like how it used to be when I was there, kids were losing interest,” said O’Neal.
By donating money to the program, O’Neal hopes not only to create greater awareness surrounding the football program but also teach children about the benefits associated with participating in sports. “I feel that by giving back, other kids in the community can see how sports can help you get to a better place in life, help you get an education, or get you in the NFL,” said the Raiders second-year fullback.
O’Neal recognizes the responsibility that comes with his success and has concentrated his efforts into being an ambassador for his hometown of Stuttgart. “The kids can see someone from their hometown that made it to the NFL and gave back. Hopefully, that will prompt them to do the same.”
Since moving to California, O’Neal has wasted no time in getting involved with the Bay Area community, offering any help at all where he can make a difference in the lives of children. He has visited elementary schools and read stories to young children, visited high schools to speak to students and paid tribute to successful elementary school students.
“I love working with kids and I love being a part of their development and helping to steer them in the right direction,” remarked O’Neal. He views his own role as an example to students of what can be accomplished by making the right decisions. “I just want them to see that it can be done and help them get to better places…to help them make the right decisions and think further than tomorrow.”
Perhaps the most compelling aspect of O’Neal’s story is that he has made all of these contributions in only one year. During his sophomore campaign with the Raiders, O’Neal will be looking to make as much of an impact on the field as possible. As a role model to the youth of the Bay Area and his hometown, O’Neal will continue to help guide their lives in a positive direction. In football terms, O’Neal fits the definition of a versatile player.
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