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Without team activities tying them down, two members of the Buffalo Bills are helping out the residents of Joplin, Missouri after tornadoes ravaged the area last month. Brian Moorman and David Nelson are taking different approaches, but their efforts are commendable.
Moorman is a native of Wichita, Kansas, and attended Pittsburg State in the eastern part of the state, just a short ride from Joplin. He told Pro Football Talk about why he's helping.
"Joplin is about 20 minutes from where I played my college ball at Pittsburg State University," Moorman wrote to Mike Florio, "and is where I ran many track meets and played many football games against our rival Missouri Southern (alma mater of Rod Smith). My wife grew up in Pittsburg and she and I have many friends and family that work or live in Joplin and have been affected greatly by this disaster along with the many other people from the area. The more I hear back from them the more heartbreaking it is. It has been difficult to not be able to get back to help so hopefully this jersey will help raise some extra cash and I appreciate your help with that. Even though you don’t think punters are football players."
Moorman is auctioning a game-worn autographed jersey on eBay to raise funds. The bidding is up to $480 and ends Friday night. "I am auctioning off this jersey to help raise money for the Red Cross in their relief efforts," says Moorman in the seller description. "Happy Bidding and know that every cent will go to the Red Cross Joplin Relief."
Nelson is taking a more direct approach to aiding Joplin. Nelson is on the ground with girlfriend and Cowboys cheerleader Kelsi Reich doing cleanup. He posted this short video of the destruction he is surrounded by:
He's also posted several pictures on his TwitPic account which anyone can view here. Nelson has attended prayer meetings, visited a local Bills Backers Bar, and cleaning up debris.
So often we highlight the negative, so it's good to highlight that these two guys are giving back. Both players were undrafted free agents that fought their way onto the roster and made a difference. Both are great role models on and off the field. Kudos to them.