Aaron Judge Pledges $5 Million to Combat Homelessness in New York – “It’s My Turn to Give Back”
In a remarkable act of generosity, New York Yankees outfielder Aaron Judge has pledged $5 million from his latest sponsorship deals to address the pressing issue of homelessness in New York City. Judge, whose life has been shaped by the love and support of the city, is now taking steps to give back in a truly impactful way.
“I can’t stand by knowing families are sleeping outside in this city,” Judge said, his voice filled with emotion. “New York gave me everything—love, energy, belief. Now it’s my turn to give back, and this is just the beginning. We are opening 100 housing units and 200 shelter beds to help those who need it the most.”
Judge’s initiative will provide critical shelter and support for families who are struggling to make ends meet in a city where homelessness has become an increasingly urgent issue. His pledge aims to provide a safe and stable environment for hundreds of individuals, offering not just a bed, but a sense of hope.
The $5 million donation will go directly to building and sustaining new homeless shelters throughout New York, ensuring that those in need have a place to stay and receive the care and resources required to get back on their feet. Judge’s commitment is already being hailed as a game-changing move, not just for the homeless community but for the entire city.
“This is a step in the right direction,” said New York City Mayor Eric Adams. “Aaron Judge is showing what true leadership looks like—both on and off the field. His generosity will make a lasting impact on our city, and we are incredibly grateful for his commitment.”
The 100 housing units and 200 shelter beds that will be opened as part of Judge’s initiative are just the beginning. Judge has expressed his desire to continue working with local organizations to expand the program and reach even more families in need. His emotional connection to his community is evident in his words, and his dedication to making a difference is clear.
“New York is where I learned the value of hard work, community, and resilience,” Judge said. “Now it’s time for me to use what I’ve been given to help others. I’m proud to call this city my home, and I’ll continue to give back in every way I can.”
Aaron Judge’s pledge is a reminder that the power of sports extends far beyond the field. His heartwarming commitment to the people of New York shows that even the smallest act of kindness can have a ripple effect, creating lasting change for those who need it most.
Packers Cut Abanikanda, Bring in Lightning Fast Pierre Strong to Ignite Backfield
During training camp, the Green Bay Packers released running backs Israel Abanikanda and Amar Johnson, opting to keep Abanikanda on the practice squad over Johnson, a speedster from South Dakota State.
On Monday, the Packers released Abanikanda and replaced him with another speedster from South Dakota State, Pierre Strong.
Strong was a fourth-round pick by the New England Patriots in 2022. In 46 career games with the Patriots in 2022 and the Cleveland Browns in 2023 and 2024, Strong has carried 99 times for 499 yards (5.0 average) and two touchdowns and caught 26 passes for 193 yards. He rushed for a career-high 291 yards in 2023 and caught a career-high 14 passes in 2024.
The Browns released Strong last week with an injury settlement following a concussion.
“I think speed, really has that ability to take the ball and go, versatility — can catch it coming out of the backfield,” Browns coach Kevin Stefanski said in 2023. “And he gives you some good reps at special teams, as well.”
Strong has been a quality player on special teams. He had eight tackles and a forced fumble in 2023 and three tackles in 2024. He also has some kickoff-return experience with a 23.8-yard average on 24 career opportunities.
For his career, he’s played 607 snaps on special teams and 412 on offense.
Before the 2022 draft, he measured 5-foot-11 3/8 and 202 pounds and ran his 40 in a blistering 4.37 seconds.
“Helping the team out any way I can,” he said after being drafted. “Out of the backfield, special teams, any way I can help the team win a Super Bowl. Wherever New England needs me to play, that's what I'm going to do. That's the kind of person and player I am.”
The Patriots traded Strong to the Browns before the 2023 season.
“I’m versatile,” he said after the trade. “My speed, my hands at the backfield block and just being an all-around back. Like I said, speed. Just showing them – break away and get to the edges and just do anything they need me to do with the ball in my hands.”
Strong had a good preseason this year with 114 rushing yards (6.3 average), highlighted by a 54-yarder against the Eagles, and five catches.
At South Dakota State, Strong dominated the FCS ranks. In four seasons, he rushed for 4,527 yards (7.2 average) and 40 touchdowns while adding 62 receptions for 581 yards (9.4 average) and three more scores. As a senior, he rushed for 1,686 yards (7.0 average) and 18 touchdowns while adding a career-high 22 receptions. He led FCS in rushing and also threw four touchdown passes.
Despite rushing for almost 4,000 yards during his final two seasons of high school in Little Rock, Ark., Strong was largely ignored by recruiters. But not by South Dakota State.
Then-running backs coach John Johnson “was on me hard, but I was kind of blowing him off – I wasn’t texting him back,” Strong told the Argus Leader. “I’d heard of (South Dakota State) but I wasn’t really into it. It just sounded really cold. But he came for an in-home visit and got me up here for a campus visit. I met some of the players, got out in the community and researched it with my parents and we decided it was the right place for me.”
Strong became the first SDSU running back to be drafted since fullback Joe Thorne was picked by the Packers in 1962.
Strong played at South Dakota State alongside tight end Tucker Kraft.
“He’s a special student-athlete,” SDSU coach John Stiegelmeier said. “In terms of how he compares to the (Zach) Zenners and the (Josh) Raneks and the Kyle Minnetts and the whole slew of guys – each one was different. Pierre has a unique running style. He hops out of tackles, he’s real smooth, he gets to top speed quick. We’ll see where he ends up but I’m just glad he’s on our football team.”
Strong will wear No. 22, which was last worn by another speedster, rookie receiver Matthew Golden.
