Buffalo Rumblings
Buffalo Bills cornerback Christian Benford has been chosen as the Week 13 NFLPA Community MVP following his efforts to help those in need within the Buffalo, NY community during the Thanksgiving holiday. It was Benford’s first Thanksgiving Celebration event, held at the Community Missions of Niagara Frontier in partnership with his 47 Hearts Foundation to provide a warm meal and winter essentials kits for 300 “unhoused individuals, food-insecure families and vulnerable neighbors served by Community Missions,” per the NFLPA news release.
The “winter kindness kit” included such items as “lip balm, a hat, gloves, hand warmers, body warmers and snack” that help to critically support those facing socioeconomic disadvantages while living in a region that experiences some of the harshest winter weather.
When asked about being named the Week 13 NFLPA Community MVP, Benford said:
“Being named Community MVP is an honor that means more than words. My motivation has always been simple — show up, give back and make sure people feel loved because Christ loves us all.”
Benford has been committed to giving back to the Western New York community, most visibly through community endeavors to support authoring his first children’s book “Stylish Safari: The Adventures of Being You” — a creative story that focuses on being true to one’s individual self and using kindness as a guiding force. All proceeds from Benford’s “Stylish Safari” support his 47 Hearts Foundation, “and its efforts to uplift individuals and families through food drives, foster care support and homelessness relief,” per the NFLPA news release, which also shared that:
“Over the past year, Benford has continued to demonstrate his commitment to youth, education and community empowerment through several meaningful initiatives. He organized a children’s literacy day and book signing at Crane Branch Library, led a free youth football camp for 100 kids at his alma mater in Randallstown, Maryland, and partnered with local organizations to provide backpacks and school supplies to students during a back-to-school event. Each effort reflects his dedication to creating opportunities, promoting literacy, supporting families in need and inspiring young people to embrace their full potential.”
As an NFLPA Community MVP recipient, Benford’s nonprofit of choice will receive a $10,000 donation on behalf of the NFL Players Association. Benford’s selection also has him eligible to receive the Alan Page Community Award. That award, which annually includes an additional $100,000 nonprofit donation, is the NFLPA’s highest honor bestowed on players.
Benford joins left tackle Dion Dawkins as members of the Buffalo Bills to receive the NFL Community MVP award in 2025. The pair join a growing list of current and former Bills players who have been named Community MVP — a group that includes running back Ray Davis (2024, Week 9), linebacker Tyrel Dodson (2023, Week 16), and safety Damar Hamlin (two-time recipient: 2022 season, Week 18; 2023 season, Week 18). Hamlin also received the NFLPA Alan Page Community Service Award in January 2023 (as the 2022 NFL season recipient), following a life-threatening on-field battle with...
