WASHINGTON, D.C. -- Osa Odighizuwa has been named the Week 2 NFLPA Community MVP after a hosting a baby shower for a group of single mothers in Dallas.
Odighizuwa personally funded the event, which welcomed 20 single mothers and their families for a celebratory day featuring a five-course meal, baby-shower games and a resource packet with valuable information about local programs and services in the Dallas-Fort Worth area. Each mother also received more than $500 worth of essential gifts to help prepare for their new child.
"I'm truly honored to be selected as an NFLPA Community MVP," he said. "Giving back to my communities in both Dallas and Portland is something that's very close to my heart. I believe every professional athlete has a responsibility to give back and set an example for the younger athletes who look up to us."
He is planning to replicate this event in Portland during the team's bye week in November, extending a similar dose of encouragement and community care to single mothers in his hometown.
Odighizuwa said his passion for supporting single parents stems from his own upbringing, being raised by his mother, Abieyuwa, alongside his three brothers. She inspired the creation of the Odighizuwa Foundation, which Osa co-founded with his brother Owa. The nonprofit's mission is to help single parents and their children reach their full potential by advancing initiatives that provide equitable access to education, resources and opportunities at the local and national levels.
His commitment to empowering families was also on display during back-to-school drives in Dallas and Portland. More than 150 families benefited from these efforts, receiving school supplies, sports equipment and educational tools. Odighizuwa also ensured each family left with information about local organizations offering ongoing support throughout the school year.
The Cowboys alternate player representative has continually poured back into his communities since being drafted into the NFL in 2021. This past summer, Odighizuwa hosted his second annual youth football camp at David Douglas High School, his alma mater in Oregon. He's also organized free movie nights, three holiday gift drives and four turkey drives in Dallas, the latter of which culminates with Odighizuwa personally delivering full Thanksgiving meals to 10 families in need. Additionally, his efforts to mentor youth led to his induction into the Big Brothers Big Sisters National Hall of Fame in 2024.
In recognition of Odighizuwa being named NFLPA Community MVP for Week 1, the NFL Players Association will donate $10,000 to the Odighizuwa Foundation. Along with the other Community MVPs from this season, he will also be eligible for the Alan Page Community Award, which is the NFLPA's highest player honor and includes an additional $100,000 donation.
As part of a new supporting partnership with GoFundMe, the world's leading fundraising platform, fans can now also make a difference by contributing to the NFLPA Community MVP's selected nonprofit. To make a donation to the Odighizuwa Foundation in honor of Odighizuwa's recognition as Week 2 NFLPA Community MVP, please visit this customized page. All donations are tax-deductible, and funds will go directly to the designated nonprofit organizations.
Now in its 12th season, the NFLPA's award-winning Community MVP campaign is part of the union's continued efforts to support the year-round civic outreach and engagement of its player members. For more information about NFLPA Community MVP program, visit here.
