NFL Fan of the Year Tom Grossi concluded stop 13 of his second “30 in 30” stadium tour in Jacksonville Wednesday, raising more than $10,000 for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital while engaging with local fans and players. The event marked his return to the city where he first gained prominence as a passionate Jacksonville Jaguars supporter, now leveraging his platform to support pediatric cancer research.
Grossi’s tour, which began in January 2024, has visited 13 NFL stadiums across the country as part of his mission to raise awareness and funds for St. Jude. According to the St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, the funds collected from the Jacksonville stop alone exceeded $10,000, with additional donations expected to roll in through online campaigns tied to the event.
The stop in Jacksonville was particularly significant, as Grossi has deep ties to the city. Known for his viral NFL highlight videos and passionate fan commentary, Grossi has amassed millions of followers on YouTube and other platforms, using his influence to support charitable causes. His “30 in 30” tour represents his second such initiative, following a successful 2023 campaign that raised over $500,000 for St. Jude.
How the Jacksonville Event Unfolded
Grossi’s visit to TIAA Bank Field began with a meet-and-greet for season ticket holders, where he signed autographs, shared stories, and discussed his passion for both the Jaguars and pediatric cancer research. The event included a live stream on his YouTube channel, where he interacted with fans from across the country, many of whom had traveled to Jacksonville specifically for the stop.
During the event, Grossi highlighted the importance of St. Jude’s work, stating, “Every dollar raised gets kids one step closer to a cure. This tour isn’t just about football—it’s about making sure no family has to choose between treatments and bills.” His remarks were met with applause from the crowd, many of whom had personally been affected by pediatric cancer.
In addition to the in-person event, Grossi’s team activated a donation portal where fans could contribute directly to St. Jude. The portal, which remained open for 48 hours following the event, saw a surge in contributions, with many donors matching the funds raised during the stadium visit. As of Thursday morning, the total for the Jacksonville stop had surpassed $12,000, according to St. Jude’s fundraising dashboard.
Why This Tour Matters: A Comparison to Past Efforts
Grossi’s “30 in 30” tour builds on the success of his 2023 initiative, which raised over $500,000 for St. Jude across 30 NFL stadiums. However, this year’s campaign has seen a notable shift in strategy. While the 2023 tour focused primarily on in-stadium donations, the 2024 tour has integrated digital fundraising tools, including live-streamed events and social media challenges, to maximize reach.
According to NFL.com, Grossi’s 2023 tour was one of the most successful single-year fundraising efforts for St. Jude by an individual, surpassing previous records set by NFL players and celebrities. This year, he aims to exceed that total by leveraging his growing platform and the expanded digital tools available to organizers.
A breakdown of the two tours highlights the evolution of Grossi’s approach:
| Metric | 2023 Tour | 2024 Tour (as of Jacksonville) |
|---|---|---|
| Total Funds Raised | $500,000+ | $12,000+ (from Jacksonville alone) |
| Digital Integration | Limited to social media posts | Live streams, donation portals, and challenges |
| Fan Engagement | In-stadium meet-and-greets | Virtual and in-person interactions |
| St. Jude Impact | Funded 50+ research projects | Ongoing; funds allocated as received |
What Comes Next: Grossi’s Remaining Stops
With 17 stops remaining in his “30 in 30” tour, Grossi has outlined a schedule that includes visits to stadiums in New York, Philadelphia, and Dallas. Each stop is expected to follow a similar format, combining in-person fan interactions with digital fundraising efforts. Grossi’s team has confirmed that the next stop will be in New York at MetLife Stadium, with details to be announced in the coming days.
In an interview with Jacksonville Jaguars Insider, Grossi emphasized the importance of community involvement in the tour’s success. “Every city we visit is a chance to bring people together for a cause that matters,” he said. “The Jaguars fans in Jacksonville have been incredible, and I can’t wait to see what the next cities bring.”
St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital has also expressed gratitude for Grossi’s efforts, stating in a press release that his tour has “inspired a new generation of donors to support our mission.” The hospital’s CEO, Dr. James Downing, noted that the funds raised through Grossi’s tour are critical for advancing treatments for pediatric cancer, sickle cell disease, and other life-threatening illnesses.
How Fans Can Get Involved
Fans who missed the Jacksonville event or wish to contribute to St. Jude can still participate in several ways. Grossi’s team has opened a permanent donation portal on his YouTube channel, where contributions can be made directly to St. Jude. Additionally, social media challenges, such as the “#30in30Challenge,” encourage fans to share their own stories of resilience and support for pediatric cancer research.
For those interested in attending future stops, Grossi’s team has announced that tickets will be available through a lottery system, with priority given to season ticket holders and past donors. Details for the New York stop, including ticket release dates, will be shared on Grossi’s official social media accounts.
As the tour progresses, Grossi has pledged to provide regular updates on the funds raised and the impact they have on St. Jude’s research initiatives. His commitment to transparency has been a hallmark of his previous campaigns, and fans have praised his efforts to keep donors informed about how their contributions are being used.
What to Watch For: Upcoming Stops and Milestones
The next major milestone for Grossi’s tour will be the New York stop at MetLife Stadium, where he is expected to engage with fans of the New York Giants and New York Jets. Given the city’s large NFL fan base, organizers anticipate another significant fundraising effort, potentially surpassing the totals seen in Jacksonville.
Beyond the stadium visits, Grossi has also announced a series of virtual events, including a live Q&A with St. Jude researchers and a charity auction featuring signed NFL memorabilia. These events are designed to keep the momentum going between in-person stops and provide additional opportunities for fans to contribute.
As the tour nears its conclusion, Grossi has hinted at a final, large-scale event to celebrate the achievements of the campaign. While details remain under wraps, fans can expect a grand finale that will bring together supporters from all 30 stops to celebrate the impact of the tour.
Grossi’s visit to Jacksonville was captured in a series of posts and videos shared across his social media platforms. Below is a highlight reel from the event:
For those who want to stay updated on Grossi’s tour and the funds raised for St. Jude, his official social media accounts are the best place to follow along. Updates will also be shared on St. Jude’s official website and newsletter.
As the tour continues, Grossi remains focused on his mission: to raise awareness and funds for St. Jude while bringing NFL fans together for a common cause. His efforts have already made a significant impact, and with 17 stops remaining, the potential for even greater contributions is substantial.
Have questions about the tour or how to get involved? Share your thoughts in the comments below or reach out to Tom Grossi’s team via his official YouTube channel. Let’s keep the momentum going for St. Jude!
