Lions fullback Jason Cabinda has been cited for his off-field work again, as he has been named NFLPA Community MVP for Week 7.
Jason Cabinda was the Lions nominee for Walter Payton Man of the Year last year. He continues to do important work with Detroit-area schools this year, and on Friday he was named NFLPA Community MVP for Week 7.
Cabinda went to two schools over the past week as part of his season-long tour speaking to students about the value of education. At one, he announced an essay contest with prizes that included Lions and Pistons tickets, with food and transportation costs to be covered by him.
On the other school visit this past Tuesday, the same place where he previously distributed 800 STEM-based books, Cabinda was joined by Lions’ teammates Tim Boyle and Amani Oruwariye. Students who demonstrated academic excellence, consistent attendance and/or good behavior were rewarded with the visit, which included being able to pick out a prize and play board games with the players.
An absolute honor to be able to inspire these kids and spread joy! Makes my day every single time! #Priceless 🙌🏾🙌🏾🙌🏾🙌🏾 https://t.co/DLSn8dz6Lz
— Jason Cabinda (@jasoncabinda) October 21, 2022
Community work is just as important as football to Jason Cabinda
Via an NFLPA statement, Cabinda noted the honor.
"Being named NFLPA Community MVP is a great honor!” Cabinda said. “I take great pride in my efforts to serve youth and try my best to be an inspiration to them.”I truly believe that it takes a village to raise a child, and I want to show the youth of Detroit that we here at the Detroit Lions organization are their village,” Cabinda said. “We want to see them achieve great heights in life by providing them with the resources, opportunity, and motivation they need to rise.”"
In recognition of winning the award, the NFL will donate $10,000 to Cabinda’s foundation or a charity of his choice. Along with other weekly 2022 Community MVPs, he will be eligible to win the Alan Page Community Award at the end of the season.
Cabinda has been on the PUP list all season thus far due to an ankle injury. The Lions hope to get him back on the field soon, but he is receivinvg worthy recognition for his work in the Detroit community.