The Stephen Weatherly Foundation initiatives focus on empowering youth in various communities. Our initiatives create opportunities where kids can connect with their community, step outside their comfort zone, and grow as a person.
We believe that it's ok to be the odd-man-out. Creating a lasting impact starts with just one person. Whether it's one kid that has more confidence in their reading ability or one that is inspired to get more active after a football camp, our goal is for small changes to make a lasting impact.
For lasting impact, we believe that support has to go beyond monetary donations. Our programs and initiatives aim to equip kids with resources that last beyond our events.
Originally from Southwest Atlanta, Stephen was a sprinter and long jumper on the track & field team, excelled in football and basketball, and competed on his high school’s robotics team. Stephen played football for Vanderbilt University where he studied Sociology. He would go on to be drafted by the Minnesota Vikings during his Junior Year at Vanderbilt.
Stephen proved himself on the football field and established himself in the Minnesota community, through both initiatives with the Vikings and his own off the field. He is a trained facilitator for One Love Foundation, a charity whose mission is to raise awareness about healthy and unhealthy relationships. Stephen has raised awareness for One Love through the NFL’s “My Cause, My Cleats” campaign as well as facilitated workshops and discussions led by the organization. In addition to his work with One Love, Stephen is also an advocate for mental health awareness, having participated in mental health discussions in partnership with the University of Minnesota. During the 2019-2020 school year, he launched a reading program for underprivileged youth in partnership with KIPP schools in North Minneapolis.
Off the field, you can find Stephen relaxing with his two dogs or trying out new hobbies like baking, photography, or glass blowing. Stephen is currently playing for the Cleveland Browns.
Stephen Weatherly has always had a passion for giving back, making an impact, and encouraging others to get outside their comfort zones. As he began his career in the NFL, Stephen began looking for ways that he could have an impact on a bigger scale with his time, energy, and finances.
After launching the youth football camp, a reading program in partnership with KIPP schools, sponsoring a local youth football team, Stephen knew that he could use his name and position to have a larger impact on the community he’s passionate about serving. With a successful first year of programs under his belt, it was time to formalize into an organization that could grow and create change on a larger scale. So, The Stephen Weatherly Foundation was launched in October 2020.
In its first year of operation, The Stephen Weatherly Foundation laid the groundwork for an impactful future. With our foundational programs in place, we’ll continue to impact youth in the community through activity, education, and opportunity. With the support of our sponsors and donors, our impact is multiplied exponentially. Stephen and the Foundation team would be honored to have your help. Though the circumstances of 2020 and 2021 pressed pause on some of our work, but we bounced back stronger than ever in 2022. We’re excited to expand on our initiatives and their successes every year!
