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Smackdown: Most Charitable Buc

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By ANWAR RICHARDSON | The Tampa Tribune

Published: December 21, 2007

Smackdown Results: Offense 8, Defense 7

TAMPA – It has become expected for athletes to get paid millions of dollars, live lavish lifestyles, and care little about the people who idolize them.

Some athletes are quick to lead cameras around their homes for MTV Cribs to show off their wealth, but slow to sign autographs or take pictures with devoted fans. The same self absorption becomes evident when those who could lend time and effort - not money - to charitable causes pass because there is no direct benefit for themselves.

Then there are those athletes who consider playing sports to be a privilege and relish the opportunity to help people who are less fortunate. They attach themselves to foundations, charities, medical research, or champion individual causes because of their yearning to help people.

With Christmas only a few days away, this week's holiday Smackdown features Bucs quarterback Jeff Garcia against linebacker Derrick Brooks to determine who is "The Most Charitable Player." Regardless who wins this contest, both are victors for championing causes they believe in.

Jeff Garcia, Quarterback

Garcia's desire to give began upon entering the NFL in 1999 as a quarterback for the San Francisco 49ers.

He got involved with efforts to raise money for the Hispanic Scholarship Fund and began doing fundraisers with that organization. Little did he know back then his off-the-field passion would eventually mirror his on-the-field dedication.

"In three or four years, through about three different fundraisers, we raised between $250,000 and $300,000 and gave to those kids who may have been the first one in their family to go to college, or have that dream come true, and that was so important to me," Garcia said.

After Garcia married his wife, Carmella, they talk about the importance of helping others and established the Garcia Pass It On Foundation to help people in less fortunate circumstances.

Since establishing their foundation, below is a small sampling of Garcia's charitable acts:

- Donated $35,000 in scholarships to the American Cancer Society since June 2007.

- Donated $10,000 to El Toro Youth Center in Morgan Hill, Calif., which enabled them to keep the Center open. In additional to the monetary donation, he donated art and craft supplies and Christmas gifts to the center which provides after school and summer programs for needy children and parents.

- Donated $10,000 to the Laci and Conner Search and Rescue Fund, which was the largest donation it had ever received.

- Donated to Gilroy High School ($350,000), San Jose State ($350,000) and Gavilan Jr. College ($250,000).

- Donates and participates as the "Garcia Pass It On Foundation" team in the Breast Cancer 3-Day walk.

- Donates 24 tickets per game that go to youth groups in the Tampa area.

"I've now been in a place where I can personally give back and it's not always about raising money," Garcia said. "Sometimes it's about giving my own hard-earned money back. That's what's important to me."

Derrick Brooks, Linebacker

Brooks simply started giving away tickets to Bucs games after entering the league, but never thought those acts of kindness would turn into his way of life.

"I thank God for putting me in a position to change lives and try to make life better for somebody else," Brooks said. "Giving back is a form of being humble. To me, it really just started out as giving kids tickets to games and obviously the Lord had bigger plans than that."

Although Brooks was selected to 10 Pro Bowls prior to this season, and is arguably the best linebacker in franchise history, he may leave a bigger legacy with his community involvement.

Brooks was co-recipient of the 2000 Walter Payton/NFL Man of the Year, plus won the 38th Annual Byron "Whizzer" White Award for his dedication to the team, community and country, and here a few reasons why he is often recognized:

- Opened the Brooks-DeBartolo Collegiate High School in 2007.

- Appointed to the Florida State University Board of Trustees by former Gov. Jeb Bush, plus serves on the Board of Governors at St. Leo University.

- Serves as Chairman of the Governor's Council for Physical Education.

- Founded the Brooks Bunch program, which is designed to help inner-city children better themselves through education and cultural exposure.

- Conducts The Derrick Brooks Celebrity Golf Classic to raise money for Derrick Brooks Charities, Inc.

"Some of my most memorable moments are little subtle stuff, whether it be a conversation and a kid just opens up that is going through some things, or a kid showing how grateful they are for being a part of our group," Brooks said. "I just try to appreciate each moment for what it is and not to say one is better than the other one, because at the end of the day, they are all special and the kids use that to motivate them or change something about themselves.

"I would never say anyone is obligated to do anything, but as long as we all recognize we are human beings, and by being a human being, you can change the life of someone else."

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