The man’s best friend has great pals from the football world where the clash of helmets and the roar of the crowd reign supreme. One such friend has stepped up to tackle a different kind of challenge – saving the lives of countless shelter dogs. Meet Derrick Nnadi, the defensive tackle for the Kansas City Chiefs, whose heart extends far beyond the gridiron.

For the past four years, Nnadi has been on a mission to give at-risk dogs a second chance at life. In a heartwarming partnership with the KC Pet Project, he has sponsored the adoption fees for over 500 shelter pups, many of whom were candidates for euthanasia. “It elevated him to a really unique platform, and they still just love him for this reason,” says Tori Fugate, the shelter’s chief communications officer. This life-saving initiative was sparked by his own experience with his dog Rocky, who helped him navigate the ups and downs of his final collegiate season at Florida State.

“The whole reason I started the foundation is really because of Rocky,” Nnadi shared with ESPN. “It made me feel empathetic for a lot of the animals that are in shelters.” Witnessing Rocky’s timid nature due to isolation as a puppy opened Nnadi’s eyes to the traumas many shelter dogs endure, prompting him to take action.

Nnadi’s impact transcends the numbers; his actions have brought national attention to the importance of pet adoption and animal welfare. In 2020, after the Chiefs’ Super Bowl LIV victory, he pledged to cover the adoption fees for all 109 dogs available at the KC Pet Project, clearing the shelter in one fell swoop. This gesture not only found loving homes for these furry friends but also inspired a beer company to donate a whopping $100,000 towards dog adoptions nationwide.

As the shelter crisis continues to escalate, with overcrowding and euthanasia rates on the rise, Nnadi’s unwavering commitment shines as a beacon of hope. “I just want to have my peace and try to help out like a big brother would,” he says, exemplifying the true spirit of a champion both on and off the field.

How NFL Stars Like Nnadi, Patrick Mahomes, and more inspire pet adoption

While Nnadi’s efforts have garnered well-deserved attention, he’s not the only Chief making a difference in the lives of four-legged friends. Quarterback Patrick Mahomes and his wife, Brittany, are proud dog parents to their pit bulls, Steel and Silver – the latter named after the couple’s initial plan to name their future daughter “Sterling.” Other NFL stars like Russell Wilson, Tom Brady, and Tony Gonzalez have also used their platforms to advocate for pet adoption and animal welfare causes.

These athletes are setting powerful examples, showing that fame and influence can be harnessed to drive social change and support causes that make a tangible difference in their communities. Mahomes and Brittany teamed up with the KC Pet Project back in 2019, facilitating the adoption of over 70 dogs in a single weekend through their “15 and the Mahomies Foundation.”

But their impact extends beyond adoption events. By sharing their love for their furry companions on social media, they inspire their fans to consider adopting shelter animals, promoting a culture of care and responsibility towards pets. As Tori Fugate, the KC Pet Project’s chief communications officer, puts it, “I had a couple come in from out of town, and I asked them, ‘What drove you to come in?’ They said, ‘Well, we saw that the Chiefs player supports it.’”

These athletes’ stories transcend the world of sports, reminding us that true greatness lies not only in athletic prowess but also in the ability to touch lives beyond the field of play. Their love for their pets and commitment to animal welfare serves as a rallying cry for all of us to open our hearts and homes to those in need, one paw print at a time. As Mahomes himself said, “Honestly my chosen spirit animal is my dog Steel, because me and my dog Steel are exactly the same person, except he’s a dog.”