We’ve all felt it—the excruciating burn mentally, emotionally, and physically when a person is pushed to their limit. Pushing past that burn, past the doubts, and keying into the sweet serotonin release of attaining your personal best? Well, that feeling can keep an athlete motivated to go the extra mile. Jump further. Lift heavier. To get up and try again. Partnering the physical exertion with a cause-driven mission? That’s the high-powered compassion legends are made of.
This year, Uplifting Athletes is empowering a new roster of NFL prospects with the opportunity to use either their NFL Combine or Pro Day workouts as a platform to give back to the rare disease community. With 10,000 known rare diseases affecting over 30 million individuals in the United States alone, Reps for Rare Diseases strives to raise funds and awareness for Uplifting Athletes’ mission and vision. Since its inception in 2015, more than 260 players have participated in Reps for Rare Diseases and have been able to raise over $350,000.
How can fans get involved?
- Pledge to any one or all players for each bench press repetition, vertical or broad jump inch, or kick they complete at their NFL Combine or Pro Day.
- Share each player’s participation on social media on before, on, and after Rare Disease Day (February 28, 2023) using hashtags #RFRD23 and #RareDiseaseDay.
How can players get involved?
- Fill out the Reps for Rare Diseases interest form.
- Contact Levi Norwood, Sports Engagement Manager, for specific questions or inquiries.
Supporters can leave a note when they make their donation in order to encourage players to keep going or explain how they are connected to the rare disease community. Additional athletes will be joining the roster as their Pro Days are announced.
What do you rep for? Who makes you want to push yourself beyond the limit?
The proceeds from all Reps For Rare Diseases 2023 campaigns support the mission of Uplifting Athletes and its charitable programs: rare disease awareness, rare disease research, Uplifting Experiences, and Uplifting Leaders.