LSU quarterback Joe Burrow won the Heisman Trophy by the largest margin in the history of the award, which was first given out to college football’s top player in 1935.
But the Ohio native's acceptance speech had more of an impact for his hometown in Ohio, as he spoke about the hunger issues in Athens, the community where he grew up, WSYX reported.
“Coming from southeast Ohio, it’s a very, very impoverished area, and the poverty rate is almost two times the national average,” Burrow said. “There’s so many people there that don’t have a lot, and I’m up here for all those kids in Athens and Athens County that go home to not a lot of food on the table, hungry after school. And you guys can be up here, too.”
The results were immediate.
Multiple fundraisers were organized to donate to the Athens County Food Pantry, including a campaign started on Facebook. More than $60,000 was raised for the pantry during the first day of requests, WSYX reported. Donations have now topped $100,000, according to officials at the food pantry.
Burrow transferred to LSU from Ohio State, where he was a reserve. During the 2019 season, Burrow led the Tigers to a 13-0 record, throwing 48 touchdown passes.
To donate to one of the fundraisers, click here.
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