Whether you’re rooting for the Giants or the Patriots this Super Bowl Weekend, we’ve got some football adoption information sure to rally together all sports-lovers! Famous adoptions are all over the media, especially actors and actresses.
But did you know that all these players and coaches have adoption ties, too?
Keith Bulluck– This former NY Giants and Tennessee Titans player is a former foster care child. Since 2003, he’s worked toward awareness through his Keith Bulluck Believe & Achieve Foundation, and in 2006, he served as spokesperson for National Foster Care Awareness Month.
Daunte Culpepper– Culpepper of Minnesota Vikings fame was adopted in infancy but still maintains an open relationship with his birth mother. “I am a living testament you can be adopted and successful,” he said.
Eric Dickerson– The former professional running back was adopted and raised by an extended family member when his teenage mother could not care for him.
Tony Dungy– Dungy hopes people tune in to his adoption message this Super Bowl weekend. “The big win on Super Sunday would be to raise awareness about the millions of children who need a family,” says Dungy, who was the head coach of the 2007 Super Bowl Champion Indianapolis Colts. Check out the video he and his wife made to create awareness for adoption. Dungy and his wife have adopted four of their seven children.
Luther Elliss– Former Detroit Lions player Elliss has adopted six of his 11 children and has thrown his support behind a football camp that supports children and adoption.
Scott Fujita– Fujita, who won a Super Bowl with the New Orleans Saints two years ago, was adopted by an interracial couple. His adoption sparked the interest of the media as he became famous because his last name is of Japanese origins.
Jimmy Graham– Graham, who was adopted as a teen, now plays for the New Orleans Saints as well.
Dorial Green-Beckham– This year’s number one college football recruit, who signed with the University of Missouri this week, was adopted by his high school football coach.
Dan Marino– Marino, famous for his long career at the Miami Dolphins, adopted two children from china and has four others. He’s also a public supporter of autism awareness.
Michael Oher– Oher’s adoption story became well-known after the book and movie adaptation of his life (The Blind Side) became famous. “I don’t dwell on anything,” Oher says. “I’m not going to feel sorry for myself because I didn’t have a place to stay a lot of time. It is what it is. We’ve got to go through some things in life. Take it and run with it.” He now plays for the Baltimore Ravens.
Mark Richt– The University of Georgia’s football coach adopted two children from the Ukraine.
DeMarcus Ware– Ware’s adoption story is one of heartache turned to joy. You can see this Dallas Cowboy’s adoption story in this great piece from ESPN‘s E:60 below.
Do you know any other football players whose lives have been touched by adoption? Let us know!
And to learn about other Famous Adoptions, check out our website!
