New York Giants legends Eli Manning and Tom Coughlin won two Super Bowls together during their time in the NFL, but have reunited with their sights set on even greater goals.
Manning and Coughlin, who each share an admiration for the other, have teamed up once again. And no, it’s not just to go over Coughlin’s college film from Syracuse — although that’s also worth your time.
Rather, the duo has come together again to help tackle childhood cancer and hunger.
September is childhood cancer awareness month and hunger action month, and if you know anything about Manning and Coughlin, you know this is their time to shine. No two people have done more to help those in need than these truly giant greats.
“You may know us as a retired NFL quarterback and coach, but we have a shared passion that goes beyond the world of football. We’ve both walked with, and been inspired by, young people fighting cancer,” the pair wrote in an essay for People. “Our individual experiences have brought us together because we know it is not a platitude when we say no one fights cancer alone. Now, more than ever, we need those in search of doing something that matters to lend a helping hand to families living the nightmare of having a child diagnosed with a life-threatening disease.
“September is the month set aside to talk about pediatric cancer. Only 4 percent of the National Cancer Institute’s budget is dedicated to pediatric cancer. Tackle Kids Cancer, the philanthropic initiative of Hackensack Meridian Health Foundation, was established in 2015 to raise critical funds for pediatric cancer research and patient programs at Hackensack Meridian Children’s Health Children’s Cancer Institute (CCI) in New Jersey, and to increase awareness for the vital needs of pediatric cancer patients and their families.”
That’s where Tom Coughlin’s Jay Fund Foundation and Tackle Kids Cancer, whom Manning has worked with for many years, come in.
“Since the pandemic took hold of our world, we’ve seen and experienced widespread hunger, food shortages that have extended to baby formula, gas prices that make us think twice before driving to the grocery store, and inflation that has surpassed a 41-year high. It is seemingly unfathomable, yet here we are once again, all in it together,” Manning and Coughlin continued.
And those hit the hardest are also those most in needs.
“If you know someone with a child diagnosed with cancer, make them dinner, buy groceries, and check-in on them from time to time to ensure they and their sick child are getting the nutrition they need. Together, we can create a championship team to help others — a coach, a quarterback and you — to inspire generations to come,” they concluded.
There are many other ways to give at both Tackle Kids Cancer and The Jay Fund Foundation. There is also an ongoing $31 donation campaign in honor of Coughlin’s birthday.
From everyone at the Tom Coughlin Jay Fund (and a few special friends), Happy Birthday Coach!
Wish Coach a happy birthday by giving $31 at https://t.co/9vHHShPiO3 and post your own birthday message encouraging others to give too.@TonyBoselli @Jaguars #pfhof22 #hof pic.twitter.com/ET8wWV7dqw
— Tom Coughlin Jay Fund (@tcjayfund) August 31, 2022
Be like Hall of Famer Harry Carson and give $31 in honor of Coach Coughlin’s birthday!
Wish Coach a happy birthday by giving $31 at https://t.co/9vHHShPiO3 and post your own birthday message encouraging others to give too. #harrycarson @Giants #hof pic.twitter.com/SfnKcOPpD6
— Tom Coughlin Jay Fund (@tcjayfund) August 31, 2022
A birthday message to Coach Coughlin from @dougflutie!
Wish Coach a happy birthday by giving $31 at https://t.co/9vHHShPiO3 and post your own birthday message encouraging others to give too.@bostoncollege @bcfootball pic.twitter.com/rL6CvFbA1w— Tom Coughlin Jay Fund (@tcjayfund) August 31, 2022
For all the @UMichFootball fans – a message from @CoachJim4UM in honor of Coach Coughlin’s birthday.
Wish Coach a happy birthday by giving $31 at https://t.co/9vHHShPiO3 and post your own birthday message encouraging others to give too. pic.twitter.com/0vR5Vhenmw
— Tom Coughlin Jay Fund (@tcjayfund) August 31, 2022
I have teamed up with @tcjayfund for Coughlin's Birthday. 1 lucky person will win this Autographed Coughlin Jersey (picked by a former player) all you have to do is wish Coach a Happy Bday by giving $31 at https://t.co/KQVCqqAJa0 & sent me a pic of it.#Giants #Charity #tcjayfund pic.twitter.com/uaOvOVdnaZ
— LPG – NYG (@LicensePlateGuy) August 31, 2022
In addition, the Jay Fund is also partnering with with the Tyler Robinson Foundation and former NFL player and chef, Derrell Smith, “to create healthy and accessible recipes to meet the needs of what families might already have in their pantry.”
For those looking to join Manning and Coughlin in their effort to tackle childhood cancer and hunger, the gift of food can go a long way. But the opportunities to become a part of the team certainly don’t end there.
Together with Manning and Coughlin, we can help ease the burden of those in need and their families.
