The recent tragedy that occurred in Las Vegas was an event that rocked the country at a time when people seem to be more divided than recent years. When a gunman targeted a harmless crowd at a concert killing over 50 people and injuring more than 500 others, he showed just how a single person can negatively impact so many people.
Baltimore Ravens left tackle Ronnie Staley showed how a single person can have a positive impact even in the midst of tragedy. Stanley attended Bishop Gorman High School in Las Vegas. The shooting obviously hit home for him.
“Just trying to check in on my family, loved ones and close friends back home, it was kind of overwhelming,” Stanley said via the Ravens team site. “It was just another reminder of there’s a world outside of football, there’s a world outside of everything we have going on in our lives— to continue to keep focusing on the big picture.”
Fortunately, everyone that Stanley knows back home is all right. Stanley announced on social media that he would be making a pledge to help support the victims of the Vegas shooting.
“Today I will be playing for more than my team. To help support the victims of last week’s terror attack in my hometown, I will be donating $1,000 for every pass play I don’t give up a sack, pressure or hurry to the victims and their families. #vegasstrong”.
The announcement came before Stanley and the Ravens faced the Oakland Raiders on Sunday, October 8, 2017. Ironically, the Raiders will soon call Las Vegas their home.
Playing what was clearly inspired football, Stanley followed his pledge with an outstanding game in which he only gave up one quarterback hurry out of 27 pass blocking plays according to Pro Football Focus.
As a result, Stanley donated $26,000 after successfully blocking on 26 pass plays. It was a creative way for Stanley to offer support. In a time when the NFL is in such turmoil, it’s refreshing to see something like this occur.
While getting a much-needed win was a great thing for Stanley, things were put well in perspective for the second-year pro. He took to social media once again to show his big picture way of thinking.
“Great team win, and even more importantly, victims and families’ lives will be positively affected from this game,” Stanley said. “Happy I could help my hometown.”