Kansas City Chiefs cornerback Trent McDuffie didn’t have to intercept a pass or make a game-saving tackle to get a big cheer from this crowd.
Students at Gordon Parks Elementary School gathered in the school’s gymnasium Monday not quite sure what was about to happen. As the children sat in front of the stage with its curtains drawn, an excited voice blasted out over the gymnasium’s speakers, “Two time Super Bowl champion! The best cornerback in the NFL! Trent McDuffie!” McDuffie emerged from behind the curtains and the crowd went wild.
The Chiefs defensive star made the surprise appearance at the school as part of the mission of his T22 McDuffie Foundation. McDuffie was there to inspire, foster hope and give 150 kids at this school in Kansas City’s urban core something he knew would help them along, new backpacks filled with school supplies and a water bottle.
“Really for me, it’s just about giving back,” McDuffie said while talking to members of the media after the event. “The energy you saw today, how happy they were, and just the impact I can have on them—it’s really everything.”
Here are photos from McDuffie’s visit to Gordon Parks Elementary.