Being the son of a brick mason, three-time Super Bowl winner Jerry Rice did not always have a hearty meal on the table. However, Rice’s glorious career in the NFL with the San Francisco 49ers didn’t just fill his trophy cabinet but also gave him the opportunity to change lives. And when such a chance came, Rice and his wife, Latisha Pelayo, did not let it go to waste.

“Hall of Famer Jerry Rice and his wife, Latisha Pelayo, are stepping up for students nationwide,” posted recessionmoney on Instagram. “The couple has donated more than $667,000 to wipe out lunch debt at 103 schools across the United States — a move school leaders say will immediately ease financial pressure on thousands of families.”

The 13-time Pro Bowler first had this noble thought after visiting a Bay Area elementary school. According to AfroTech, the visit helped him understand how lunch debts affected the morale of students. Rice also released a statement, stating the thought behind his donation.

“No child should ever step into a classroom hungry,” he shared.

While the Bay Area visit made him take the decision, his donation of $667,000 covered the lunch debts of various schools across multiple states. Thankfully, students will no longer be fearful about accessing school cafeterias. The expiration of meal waivers and the pandemic era led to an increase in lunch debt, especially in rural areas. Because of the job loss and inflation, residents of the rural region had difficulty paying for meals. However, Rice’s generosity has helped them overcome the adversity.

Following the donation, his former teammate Steve Young has also joined hands with him. They collaborated on a project called “The 8 to 80 Zones,” paying homage to their jersey numbers, and are on a mission to provide skill development support to the youth living in underserved communities so that they can pursue careers in technology, esports, gaming, and media. Recently, they supported food shelters this holiday season.

He made the donation under his foundation, “The Jerry Rice 127 Foundation.” They have been around since 1994 and continue to provide financial support to agencies and organizations in the San Francisco Bay Area. Watching him accomplish such a virtuous deed, even the fans applauded him.

The fans are full of respect for Jerry Rice after the latest announcement

It is not just a donation, but also a contribution to fueling education, opportunity, and hope among today’s youth. Even Silicon Valley entrepreneurs are getting inspired, pledging to match Rice’s contribution in local districts. With just one step, the former wide receiver changed people’s perception. As a result, fans have nothing but respect for him.

“@jerryrice 🐐 thanks for giving back truly a blessing S/O to ur wife as well,” commented a fan.

People praised him for his on-field record and work ethic. Now, they will do the same for his off-field work ethic, too. “This guy has always has been a hero on and off the field and a work ethic that no one can compete with! Much love and respect. 🤜🏻🤛🏿🇺🇸,” wrote a fan.

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Rice and his wife’s contributions deserve every bit of praise and respect. “Food insecurity in America is real This is a Hall of Fame player making a Hall of Fame play!! 💯” wrote another fan.

Not only did the couple pay off a massive lunch debt, but they also ensured that children won’t go hungry. “God bless you both for feeding the kids 🥰😍” said another fan.

“Hero 👏” commented another one.

There’s no doubt that the NFL Hall of Famer is a hero, especially after what he has done. Taking care of 103 schools is not a joke. Hopefully, the couple will keep continuing their philanthropic work in the future, combating food security and ending student hunger.

“Helping these kids is a victory bigger than any trophy I’ve ever won,” said Rice.