2023-10-04 15:55:32
The reputation Sherrod Baltimore has built in his six years with the Ottawa REDBLACKS is special.
The city quickly fell in love with the football player, when, in his rookie season, Baltimore won a starting job, eventually becoming the REDBLACKS’ nominee for the CFL’s Most Outstanding Rookie Award. Since then, he’s gone through plenty of ups and downs, but never once has he wavered.
That’s just how he’s wired. Growing up, Baltimore remembers his mother struggling to provide him and his siblings with many necessities, something that has served as fuel to spark change off the field. For the past couple of years, Baltimore has been buying school supplies for kids in need, and this year, he’s doing it again, using his own money to help 30 kids have what they need.
“When I was growing up, I didn’t have a lot of stuff like that,” Baltimore said. “When I played sports, my coaches always told me to give back. I wish I could do it for my hometown, too, but I do take care of my brothers and sisters.”
Each recipient will receive a REDBLACKS book bag filled with all kinds of supplies to help make this school year memorable. It includes the essentials; binders, journals, pencils, crayons, and paper, but also some special treats.
While Baltimore won’t fit in the bag, those chosen will have the opportunity to meet him, something he believes could be impactful, and wishes he would have been able to experience while he was growing up.
“These kids need us,” Baltimore said. “When I was a kid growing up in Prince George’s County, I wished someone playing for the [Commanders] would have come up and talked to me or gave me a handshake, I would have loved it. Because of that, I try to be there, and I realize how big being a professional athlete is.”
It’s another example of the many things Baltimore has done for the Ottawa community since arriving. He has worked with high school coaches, run his own kids camp, spoken at schools, and taken time out of his day time and time again to help people.
Why? It’s simple. It’s the least he feels he can do to give back, and change lives.
“The kids control the future, so I try to be an influence for them,” Baltimore said.
Baltimore is living his dream, believing that God helped lead him to this reality.
“I used to pray for times like this,” hesaid. “I always said if I get some money, I’m going to take care of my people, and help my mom.”
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