WASHINGTON, D.C. -- Alexander Mattison has been named the Week 4 NFLPA Community MVP after he treated two families in need to a special Las Vegas Raiders experience through his I AM Gifted Foundation.
During the Raiders' September 22 home opener, Mattison surprised the families with tickets, pre- and post-game passes, VIP transportation, I AM Gifted T-shirts and an exclusive meet-and-greet. He also provided each household with $1,000 to assist with their everyday needs.
"Being named the NFLPA Community MVP is a tremendous honor and a reminder of why I do this work," the Raiders running back said. "Through my charitable efforts, I aim to uplift and empower individuals and families, creating moments and opportunities that leave a lasting impact."
One family featured Myron Butler, a dedicated employee of the Boys & Girls Club of Southern Nevada, who has served as a youth development professional and custodian for more than 15 years. "Mr. Bud," as he is known, raises his three grandchildren and supports other family members in his low-income housing apartment.
The other recipient, Tamika, is a former licensed vocational nurse who has struggled financially after a back injury left her on disability. A long-time Raiders fan, she always dreamt of attending a game and thanks to Mattison, her dream came true.
"Through my I AM GIFTED Foundation, I am able to give back and show gratitude for the community that supports me along my journey, while also emphasizing the importance of mental health and encouraging everyone to unlock their gift within," Mattison said.
The families were nominated and selected as part of Mattison's Rush 2 Give Tour, where he dedicates each month to a specific cause. September's theme, "My Reason, My Why," focused on making core memories with family.
Since entering the NFL in 2019, Mattison has shown that supporting his communities is a top priority. He annually donates thousands of dollars in scholarships to programs in the San Bernardino/Inland Empire area that benefit students at his high school alma mater. He's also partnered with former NFL player Greg Bell's Athletes for Life Foundation to offer three, free I AM GIFTED youth life skill/football camps -- one in his hometown of San Bernardino, California, one in his college town of Boise, Idaho and one in his team city.
For the past two years, Mattison has hosted back-to-school events for hundreds of kids in his hometown and team city. This past August, he took five teens from a Boys & Girls Club in Las Vegas on a $500 shopping spree while giving out 250 backpacks with school supplies to kids in California. And last season's school-themed event earned him the Week 1 NFLPA Community MVP award.
In recognition of Mattison being named the NFLPA Community MVP for Week 4, the NFLPA will donate $10,000 to his foundation or charity of choice. In turn, Mattison will take part in a special visit to a local school, children's hospital, or community center. Along with the other 2024-25 Community MVPs, 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.
For its 11th season, the NFLPA Community MVP program is teaming up with two supporting partners: Young Minds Inspired (YMI) and Big Brothers Big Sisters of America (BBBSA). As the nation's leading provider of free educational outreach programs, YMI will bring this year's NFLPA Community MVPs to classrooms across the country through a series of lesson plans about community service, inspired by the players' philanthropic work and the program's artwork created by Heartlent Group. BBBSA also invites this season's Community MVPs to partner with its 230+ agencies across the country, providing these athletes with more opportunities to engage with youth through its volunteer supported mentoring network.
The Community MVP campaign is part of the NFLPA's continued efforts to support the year-round, civic outreach and engagement of its player members. Please visit the NFLPA Community MVP website to learn more about the program.
