Ryan Griffin makes a difference on and off the field

After being a member of the Tulane University football team for five seasons, quarterback Ryan Griffin has spent the last two years as a signal-caller for the New Orleans Saints. Now, Griffin has joined a new team to give back to the community.

Through a partnership with the Team Hero Foundation, which was founded by Tulane alumnus Tim Rinaldi, athletes have a platform to support the charities and non-profits that they care about. Team Hero Foundation works to publicize the community service of athletes and to highlight their positive contributions.

“From an early age, Ryan knew that his goal was to make it to the NFL, but it was also his goal to have an impact on the community while he was in the NFL,” said Rinaldi. “He is really motivated and excited rather than it being more of a burden to him.”

The rigorous schedule that the NFL requires often restricts players" availability to perform community service. As a quarterback, Griffin spends 13 hours each day at the practice facility during football season. He joined Team Hero Foundation to work with an organization that can coordinate charitable events during his limited free time.

While working with Team Hero Foundation, Griffin"s mission is to help blind children play sports. He is supporting Lighthouse Louisiana"s youth summer camp and monthly Goalball game, a Paralympic sport designed exclusively for blind athletes.

On Feb. 28, Griffin will attend a Goalball game at the Harahan Lions Homes.

“It"s another motivation of mine to be in the media for good reasons and to set a positive example as a role model,” said Griffin. “In the NFL, we are role models whether we like it or not and kids look up to us.”

Greg Thomson is a senior at Tulane University majoring in communication.