Patriots linebacker Kyle Van Noy named the NFLPA’s Week 14 Community MVP

It’s been a busy week so far for Kyle Van Noy. Not only is he in the middle of preparing for the New England Patriots’ upcoming game against the Cincinnati Bengals, he also has been nominated by the organization for the Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year Award. Furthermore, the 28-year-old has also been honored by NFL Players Association: on Friday, the NFLPA announced that Van Noy has been named this week’s “Community MVP.”

Van Noy received the award after he treated 153 financially disadvantaged foster families to a holiday celebration and assortment of gifts — ranging from winter coats to toys — during his “A Very Van Noy Christmas” event on December 7: together with his wife Marissa, with whom he founded the Van Noy Valor Foundation back in 2014, the linebacker hosted more than 1,000 people at Gillette Stadium; over 400 kids were in attendance as well.

“I am beyond thankful to be recognized by the NFLPA for my work in the New England community. I’m so blessed to have football as a platform to make an impact on the lives of adopted children and those in foster care by encouraging personal valor and armoring them for success,” said Van Noy. “Marissa and I are committed to using the gifts and talents we have been given to provide resources and opportunities, especially during the Christmas season.”

In honor of Van Noy being named the Week 14 Community MVP — the second Patriot to be recognized for his efforts in the community after Deatrich Wise Jr. back in Week 6 — the NFLPA has announced that it will make a $10,000 contribution to the Van Noy Valor Foundation. Furthermore, Pledge It has set up a crowdfunding campaign to support the foundation in its fight to improve the lives of foster families and adopted kids.

Please click here to participate in the Kyle Van Noy’s Tackles For a Better Future crowdfunding campaign.