Bobby Okereke, the New York Giants linebacker, has established deep roots in New Jersey, committing himself to local communities through various outreach initiatives. After signing a four-year, $40 million deal with the Giants this March, Okereke has gone all-in on his offseason. He’s presently living and training in the Garden State to get ready for next season. His efforts include engaging with youth at numerous Boys & Girls Clubs and hosting events that promote community involvement and support.
New Jersey has served as Okereke’s base during the entire offseason. His commitment to improving the lives of children is unwavering. Most recently, his foundation co-hosted a major flag football tournament in Jersey City with Athletes Make Progress Together (AMPT). This regional event was designed to promote health and fitness and build camaraderie among area young people. For Okereke, fostering opportunities for youth to participate in sports is of utmost importance. Through his work, he’s equipping them with vital life skills that will carry them into adulthood.
Okereke didn’t just help plan the tournament — he offered to host an event at his house. New Jersey senator Cory Booker, a Stanford football alum, was on hand. This meeting deepened his relationship with the senator. It served as an inspiration to Okereke’s commitment to serve the community together with other prominent leaders. The NFL linebacker wants to use his platform to empower youth and motivate them to make their dreams a reality.
Okereke’s outreach efforts extend beyond organized events. He has toured 11 Boys & Girls Clubs throughout New Jersey, including one club on two different days. His goal is ambitious yet admirable: he aspires to visit all 16 Boys & Girls Clubs in the state. His dedication is partly rooted in his own childhood experiences. He was a lifelong Boy Scout, having grown up in California, and proud to have earned the rank of Eagle Scout. These early experiences formed his sense of what it means to serve a community and the necessity of giving back.
Recently, Okereke took his teammates from the Giants’ linebackers room on a field trip to the Boys & Girls Club of Hudson County. The visit provided the players an opportunity to directly connect with local youth. It allowed Okereke ample opportunity to flex his leadership muscles on and off the field.
“Bobby’s the leader, man. He’s loud. He’s in control of everything,” – Jevon Holland
“Just being in those clubs, meeting the kids, meeting the teachers, it kind of called on me to keep going back and pouring into those communities,” – Bobby Okereke.
Regardless, his injury last season prevented him from making those connections with the community. It didn’t stop his desire and his passion for changing things. He said that he thinks these interactions are good for everyone involved.
“I know sometimes, selfishly, I feel like I get more out of it than the kids,” – Bobby Okereke.
The 2025 season will be make-or-break for Okereke as it relates directly to his career clock running out. At this point, with no guaranteed dollars left on his contract, he knows he needs to show something on the field. He hasn’t lost his optimism about what’s to come.
Okereke’s devotion to community service runs deep, as shown by his outreach efforts and continued engagement with local youth programs. He hopes that by providing enriching experiences at the Boys & Girls Clubs, he can inspire children to dream big and work towards achieving their goals.
“Fulfill your community at the end of the day, and take it from there. So it’s fun,” – Bobby Okereke.
As Okereke juggles his new professional and personal commitments in New Jersey, he pauses to consider it all. Reflecting on his experience since coming to the Giants.
“Yeah, Jersey’s home. Jersey feels like home, and when I got here in 2023, Jersey welcomed me with open arms,” – Bobby Okereke.
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