Evan Brown, an offensive lineman for the Arizona Cardinals, participated in the team’s annual “Feed the Hungry” event at the Phoenix Rescue Mission – Changing Lives Center on Monday. The initiative, now in its 23rd year, saw a dozen Cardinals players join community members to serve meals to more than 150 women and children during Thanksgiving week.
“It’s a little something inside that makes you feel good because you’re giving them a little bit of joy during what they’re dealing with in their life,” Brown said. “If we can give them that little extra smile throughout the day, I see a lot of happy faces of families eating together, that’s all you can ask for.”
The event also included Nicole and Tim Bidwill—siblings of Cardinals owner Michael Bidwill—Big Red, and members of the Cardinals cheer team. Players wore aprons as they plated food and interacted with attendees.
“It’s the season of giving back and giving thanks,” Brown said. “We’re very fortunate with what we’re able to do and where we are able to play a kid’s game and get paid very well for it. Anytime that we’re able to give back to the community, I think that we have to take advantage of it.”
Cornerback Garrett Williams took charge of handing out bread rolls while running back Michael Carter distributed desserts such as cakes and pies. Wide receiver Andre Baccellia ensured everyone had drinks.
“We play football, so our lives get consumed by that, but there’s so many more things that go on for people outside in their day to days and it’s easy to lose sense of that when you’re in the mix,” Williams said. “It’s always a good reminder, keeping you humble, and just wanting to give back and keep people served and taken care of.”
Despite coming off a recent loss against the Jaguars, players noted how participating in the event offered perspective during the holiday season.
“It’s amazing,” Williams said. “Especially to see it in these situations for everybody to come together and share this moment together. We all go back to different walks and paths of life, but to be able to share it together and everybody be in a good mood together, it means a lot.”
