By virtue of his status as an NFL linebacker and Stanford graduate, Chris Draft is legitimately one in a million. Having held his own at the highest levels of athletics and academics, he can claim a combination of experiences that very few can match. But his rare blessings are not what make Chris special. Instead, it is his dedication to others that truly separates Chris from the norm. Entering his 11th NFL season and his second with the St. Louis Rams, Chris’ strong passion for philanthropic endeavors keeps him busy off the field. Actively involved in various community efforts, he maintains a strong commitment to students, civic groups and health awareness organizations. Chris, who must personally conquer asthma daily, serves as a spokesperson for the American Lung Association. In this role, he helps the association raise awareness of the disease through public education. At Climb California’s inaugural event in March 2007, Chris helped raise over $240,000 to fund American Lung Association research, education and advocacy. He has also joined forces with The Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Boys and Girls Clubs of Metro Atlanta, Big Brothers and Big Sisters, HOPSports, and other philanthropic sports organizations to aid in the fight against childhood obesity and other health issues confronting children and their families. A 1998 economics graduate from Stanford, Chris established The Chris Draft Family Foundation in 2006 with the mission of empowering families to live healthy lifestyles. To achieve its mission, the foundation focuses on educating families on the importance of physical fitness, nutrition, health maintenance and healthy living conditions. For his commitment to community service, Chris received the 2008 NFL Alumni Spirit Award and the 2008 JB Award for off-the-field achievements. He was also named the Carolina Panthers’ Walter Payton Man of the Year and Youth Football Ambassador in 2006. With 528 tackles in 127 career NFL games, Chris is an impact player at the game’s highest level. But it is in his work off the field, in his commitment to his community, that he has proven to be a true juggernaut.
Chris Draft is the St. Louis Rams’ 2008 AT&T National Sportsmanship Awards honoree. Past Rams award recipients include Torry Holt, Isaac Bruce and Marc Bulger.