Chris Samuels (1 Viewer)

[fatness]

Too often things like this go un-noticed in the news, or even un-reported.

Fredericksburg.com article

Date published: 6/1/2007

MONTGOMERY, Ala.--Like a lot of pro athletes, Chris Samuels talks about giving back to the community. But instead of a few dollars or a few hours, the Washington Redskins' Pro Bowl left tackle has a more tangible gift in mind--one with walls and a roof. Samuels, a former Alabama All-American, is giving away a free house to a low-income family in Selma on Saturday through the Chris Samuels Foundation in a mixture of business and charity. His interest in both comes out when he talks about his weekend giveaway.

"I understand the market in Selma and how much money people make down there," Samuels said in a phone interview from Washington. "It's a big renter's market down there, and I'm preaching home ownership. It's one house down there, but it would be a start." It's a start for Samuels' post-NFL future, too. Those entered in the drawing for the house giveaway will first listen to Samuels and others speak on the virtues of home ownership at Wallace Community College. CRS Development, the company Samuels runs with girlfriend Monique Cox, is building a subdivision on 21 acres in Selma, a city in Alabama's impoverished Black Belt that was the site of the "Bloody Sunday" civil rights march on March 7, 1965.

He's a native of Mobile, about 190 miles southwest of Selma, and said he intends to keep giving back to his home state. "The good Lord's blessed me to make a lot of money playing in the NFL," the four-time Pro Bowler said.

Selma Mayor James Perkins said Samuels has encountered challenges, including a fluctuating housing market and rising materials costs, but remains fully committed to finishing the project. "First off, he was willing to do something truly innovative. Secondly, he was willing to take an underdeveloped area and invest in it. And thirdly, now he's willing to actually raffle off one of the homes and give it to a citizen of Selma," Perkins said. "He didn't have to do any of that but he chose to do all of that. He's very high on my list."

 

[patrickmcgroin]

That sounds pretty awesome.

 

[Balco]

Here's hoping that his charity is successful in fundraising and can give away 100 more houses.

It really is a shame that more athletes don't contribute more to charities. If some are just tight with money, someone should explain the tax benefits as well.

It is always easy to root for NFL guys like Warrick Dunn, Chris Samuels, Troy Vincent, and DOug Flutie because of their work with charities. EVen a guy like Braylon Edwards who seems like a punk on the football field has recently given a very large donation to his Alma Mater for scholarships.

Wish this was in the press more.

 

[Mr. Pink]

Good Job, Chris. Roll Tide!

 

[Saints-Man]

Good Job, Chris. Roll Tide!

 

[Raider Nation]

I hope he doesn't give it to a female friend of his at the last minute.

 

[fatness]

I hope he doesn't give it to a female friend of his at the last minute.

His girlfriend is his business partner in the subdivision. They are giving away one of the houses they'll be building.But you would have had to read the article to know that.

 

[waylander]

I hope he doesn't give it to a female friend of his at the last minute.

His girlfriend is his business partner in the subdivision. They are giving away one of the houses they'll be building.But you would have had to read the article to know that.

You would have to read the Chad Johnson article to know that was a joke.

 

[fatness]

I hope he doesn't give it to a female friend of his at the last minute.

His girlfriend is his business partner in the subdivision. They are giving away one of the houses they'll be building.But you would have had to read the article to know that.

You would have to read the Chad Johnson article to know that was a joke.

Missed that one.

 

[The Man Who Met Andy Griffith]

for not curing cancer

 

[comfortably numb]

Only one house.

The guy was a top 3 pick and has made millions!

 

[dgreen]

Only one house.The guy was a top 3 pick and has made millions!

Good point. We need access to all of Mr. Samuels financial books so we can determine if he has contributed enough to our liking. I mean, a house to Samuels is like a pencil to me, so I see no reason to think he did anything nice here.

 

[Bri]

that's nice

now cure cancer Chris

 

[fatness]

Brenda Diane Smith is the recipient of the house.

Link

No word yet on whether she has cancer, or whether Samuels will cure it.