Jairius Byrd Praised For Charity Work, Going 'Extra Mile'

By Christine Thomasos, Christian Post Reporter Tuesday, December 27, 2011

Jairus Byrd, Buffalo Bills’ safety, recently helped his team win against Tim Tebow and the Denver Broncos, however he has been recognized for efforts off the field.

Byrd made headlines for being an “awesome guy” and going the “extra mile for charity.” In a Buffalo News report, Byrd credits God for helping him perform charitable works.

“It boils down to trying to make an impact, to give back, be a blessing to others," Byrd said. "I'm excited to see other people enjoy what God has done for me."

The 25-year-old safety has been recognized for his charitable contributions in the past. Last year, he received the Ed Block Courage Award for his community service efforts. Byrd also participated in the NFL Play 60 Super School Program, the Buffalo Bills Toyota Rookie Club and a “Louder Than Words” campaign on social networking websites where people shared their own good acts.

Byrd is no stranger to performing community service and grew up watching his NFL playing father, Gill, perform the same type of charitable acts at a San Diego boxing center.

"We would go down there and box a little bit. With my dad being in this profession, I didn't spend a lot of time with him so when he was around he would say, 'Oh, we're going to go here,' and me and my brother would say, 'Cool, let's go,’” Byrd recalled. “We didn't care where we were going. We were so young that we just wanted to hang with him."

However, the act transitioned into Byrd’s adult life.

“Once I got on my own it was something I wanted to do," he said. "You really don't realize how you can be a blessing to others until you sit back and see how others are impacted by what you do. Once I got here to Buffalo I realized I could make a difference to other people."