VIDEO Sometimes an off season, full of giving to others, can change your life. Tampa Bay’s first round 2010 draft pick and defensive tackle Gerald McCoy traveled to Africa for two weeks during this last off season accompanied by several Oklahoma U. football alumni, including the Viking’s running back Adrian Peterson. During the two week excursion the guys gave out T-shirts, clean water pumps, hearing aides and bags of beans to over 256,000 people in the war ravaged villages of Uganda and Rwanda. McCoy witnessed how highly sought after a mere bag of beans was, and it hit him harder then any NFL center or guard. In one village he helped feed 2,000 people in two hours.
After coming off the last season on injured reserve, due to a biceps injury, Gerald was disappointed. This trip with Pros for Africa put his lifestyle in perspective. He was enlightened after spending time with the genocide survivors. The Africans there have nothing, especially the people who watched their families murdered in the Rwandan genocide, but McCoy still witnessed unbelievable joy. These communities are staying positive and moving forward from their devastating setbacks. In hindsight, he now recognizes that he is fortunate and despite a tough season, he too can bounce back and find joy in life.
McCoy believes this experience made him grow immensely as a person. “ I can’t wait to go back and help more,” he says. As a 6-4, 295 pound defensive lineman, his physical presence anywhere is noticed, but he is also recognized by his generous nature. Since giving is contagious, McCoy hopes to get more of his teammates involved in next year’s trip with Pros for Africa. It’s pretty incredible that in his first NFL off season this 23 year old has shown he is big man with an even bigger heart. He is the perfect example of the well known quote by Mahatma Gandhi, “Be the change you wish to see in the world.”
Sitting in his lavish house in Tampa, Gerald McCoy reflects on how much he has and the abundant opportunities he has been given to share with those in need. He has already begun to brainstorm other items he can bring back to Africa next off season. It’s clear that McCoy plans to continue to get the Buccaneers defense up to tempo this season, but he will also carry on with his plans to make a BIG impact next year on his trip to Africa.
