LeSean McCoy
Today’s landscape for sports puts athletes in a unique position to innovate in their spaces while contributing to their communities to make a difference. Athletes with experience in professional sports have recently made strides to provide resources to a new generation of players, business development professionals, and philanthropists who will continue the trend of helping others reach their goals.
As a former professional football player with numerous accolades under his belt, LeSean McCoy recognizes the position that he is in to educate others on the sport as well as the numerous ways individuals can get involved in the push to create more equitable and inclusive environments for others. Through high-level resources that break down the ins and outs of athleticism, business development, and philanthropy, LeSean hopes to inspire others to strive towards their individualized ideas of success.
About LeSean McCoy
After playing college football for Pittsburgh, McCoy was drafted by the Philadelphia Eagles in the second round of the 2009 NFL Draft as the fourth running back selected. He played for the Eagles from 2009 to 2015, where he built a name for himself on feats such as breaking the 1,000 yards rushing barrier and leading the league in rushing yards. LeSean would later play for the Buffalo Bills, Kansas City Chiefs, and Tampa Bay Buccaneers, earning a Super Bowl win each with the Chiefs and Buccaneers.
Along with his Super Bowl wins, LeSean McCoy has amassed a variety of accolades in the NFL. A few of these include his status as a 6x Pro Bowl athlete, 2x First-tea All-Pro, 2x FedEx Ground Player of the Year, NFC Offensive Player of the Year, and numerous accolades with the Eagles such as the record for most single-season touchdowns for the team.
Throughout his time in the NFL, LeSean McCoy was known by coaches and his fellow players for his staunch commitment to the sport and impressive rushing ability. His recognition of the importance of teamwork has played an integral role in his forays into business and philanthropy in the time since his retirement from the sport.
LeSean McCoy Foundation and Business Pursuits
LeSean McCoy has expanded his scope beyond the realm of professional football and has branched out as the founder of a charitable foundation as well as a real estate organization.
Shades of Greatness — The LeSean McCoy Foundation
LeSean McCoy founded Shades of Greatness — The LeSean McCoy Foundation in 2010 with the goal of educating, raising awareness, and aiding individuals and families who have been diagnosed with or impacted by ALS. The idea to found Shades of Greatness came about after LeSean lost his grandmother, Maryann Branch, to the condition. Shades of Greatness works to aid those in need through clothing donation, transportation assistance, donating communicative technology, and performing home modifications to help those affected maintain their quality of life.
The foundation also works to serve and empower economic and socially challenged youth in areas throughout New York, Pennsylvania, and Tampa through methods such as foster home support, Community Days, holiday giveaways and parties, and annual scholarships to help college students secure needs such as tuition payments, books, and meal plans. These efforts are made in pursuit of a more equitable and inclusive environment that empowers members of our communities to overcome obstacles and remain on the path to success in their pursuits.
McCoy Boys
Alongside his brother, LeRon McCoy, LeSean founded McCoy Boys — a real estate development company specializing in areas such as land acquisition, entitlements, urban development, multi-family vertical construction, and more. Do date, the business has amassed over 60 residential and commercial properties in New Jersey, North Carolina, Florida, Maryland, and Pennsylvania. Notably, McCoy Boys has looked to breathe new life into the Harrisburg area of Pennsylvania, which was once a very prominent area for commerce. This includes a project to create market-rate and affordable housing apartments to keep the longstanding tradition of African American businesses along North Sixth Street.
Mentorship Initiatives
In addition to his pursuits in charitable organizations and real estate, LeSean has also dedicated himself to mentoring young football players to prepare them for their lives after participating in the sport. He noted that before starting his own organizations that he did not have a lot of experience handling financials. To this point, he has stressed the importance of athletes expanding their scope to buy assets, get involved in real estate, and take part in economic pursuits that will last them long after their retirement from football. Cluing young professionals in on the ways that they can contribute to their communities to amass wealth and positively impact the lives of others is an essential step to promoting positive, safe, and equitable environments for the betterment of our people.
Future Posts
LeSean realizes that his experience as an NFL athlete and founding organizations puts him in the unique position to help others learn more business development, philanthropy, and mentorship. Through high-level insights on topics such as how to establish a charitable foundation, the importance of mentoring young professionals, and ways to diversity your business portfolio, LeSean hopes to assist others as they stay the course and work towards their goals.
If you are interested in learning more about football, business, philanthropy, and mentorship from a professional such as LeSean McCoy, be sure to check this site for frequent updates.