Drake Maye Donates $2 Million to Young Boy Who Used His Last Birthday Money to Help Homeless Woman Selling Candy at Walmart
Chicago, IL – October 15, 2025 — In an extraordinary act of kindness, North Carolina quarterback Drake Maye has made a generous $2 million donation to 8-year-old Mateo, a young boy from Chicago who used his final $23 in birthday money to help a homeless woman selling candy at a local Walmart. Maye, who has built a reputation for his philanthropic work off the field, was deeply moved by Mateo’s selflessness and decided to reward his compassionate act with a life-changing contribution.
Mateo, who celebrated his eighth birthday with excitement, was faced with a tough decision when he encountered a woman selling candy outside a Walmart store. The woman, struggling to make ends meet, had been standing on the corner for hours, hoping to sell enough candy to get by. When Mateo noticed the woman, he could tell she was in need, and without hesitation, he approached her and handed over his entire birthday gift of $23.
“I didn’t need the money,” Mateo said. “She looked like she really needed help, so I gave it to her. It made me feel good to help someone, and I knew it was the right thing to do.”
News of Mateo’s kind gesture quickly spread through social media and local news outlets, capturing the hearts of people around the world. Drake Maye, who has been involved in several charitable endeavors throughout his career, was particularly moved by the story. “When I heard about what Mateo did, I couldn’t believe it. For an 8-year-old to give up everything he had to help someone else – that’s the kind of heart we need more of in this world,” Maye said in a statement.
Inspired by Mateo’s generosity, Maye reached out to the young boy and his family, offering a donation of $2 million. The money will go into a fund to help Mateo’s education, as well as support local charities that assist the homeless. “Mateo’s selflessness really touched me, and I wanted to do something to help him and make sure he continues to grow up with a heart full of compassion,” Maye added.
The donation will provide Mateo with access to better educational opportunities, as well as financial support to ensure he can continue helping those in need. Mateo’s mother expressed her gratitude for Maye’s gesture, saying, “We’re so thankful for Drake’s kindness. This will help Mateo achieve his dreams and continue to be the kind-hearted boy that he is.”
For Mateo, the $2 million donation is not just about the financial help—it’s a reminder that even the smallest acts of kindness can have a profound impact on others. “I’m really happy that I helped someone, and now Drake is helping me,” Mateo said with a smile. “I just want to keep helping people when I can.”
As for Maye, the donation is another testament to his dedication to making the world a better place. “We all have the power to do good in this world, and Mateo is a great example of that,” Maye said. “I hope his story inspires others to act with kindness and compassion, just like he did.”
Mateo’s story has inspired countless others to give back and has proven that no act of kindness is ever too small to make a big difference.
Bears Insider Gives Concerning Update on Darnell Wright’s Elbow Injury
The Chicago Bears right tackle is in a huge year, contractually speaking. After 2025, the Bears will have to decide whether to pick up his fifth-year option, and until then, Wright will be playing with one good arm.
A player’s fifth-year option — always decided on after their third season — is huge, because it’s fully guaranteed. If Wright continues to play well, he’ll be getting just under $20 million for his fifth year, per Over the Cap.
Considering Wright has missed time with the injury already, it’s fair to be concerned. “Darnell Wright returned to action 22 days after tearing the ulnar collateral ligament in his right elbow,” Brad Biggs of the Chicago Tribune wrote on October 14.
“It’s an injury that would send a pitcher or quarterback to the doctor for Tommy John surgery. After receiving second and third opinions, according to a source, the belief is Wright will not require surgery. The plan, at least right now, is to allow the UCL to scar over.”
Wright Has Been Reliable & Durable Over His 3 Seasons
GettyChicago Bears offensive tackle Darnell Wright will be playing injured for the remainder of the 2025 season. He’ll wear a brace on his elbow all year.
As a rookie, Wright started all 17 games and logged 1,127 offensive snaps—99.6% of Chicago’s total—on his way to PFWA All-Rookie honors. His second season, in 2024, he played 1,021 snaps (about 90% of the offense’s plays) while starting 16 games, missing only Week 10.
His current elbow injury sidelined him Week 4 against the Raiders, but he’s already back and determined to play out the season.
“With the brace, which he is expected to wear for the remainder of the season, the hope is his power and strength won’t be diminished,” Biggs wrote about Wright.
Chicago’s pass protection has looked noticeably better in 2025. The Bears allowed zero sacks in their Week 3 win over Dallas while Wright was anchoring the right side, and the Bears right tackle is a big reason the team’s running game just broke out against the Washington Commanders, as well. If he plays as well as he did against the Commanders — which he did wearing the brace — he should have no problem finishing the season and seeing his option picked up.
More on Bears RT Darnell Wright Playing With a Brace on His Arm for the Remainder of 2025
“If it turns out Wright requires a procedure to address the elbow after the season, the Bears would have a good amount of time to evaluate the situation before the (fifth-option) deadline,” Biggs noted.
“A best-case scenario for all parties might wind up being a multiyear deal, but there’s no deadline to push that kind of move. For now, Wright will have to prove he can play well with the brace on his arm to bolster his bargaining power. He played well Monday — the Bears were able to move the ball on the ground — and he’s going to put the elbow out of his mind as much as possible.”
Across three seasons, Wright has missed just two games, so he’s been a constant presence on the O-line thus far. He’ll be playing with a clear handicap the remainder of the season, though — one other teams know about and will try to exploit.
“It’s not as strong,” Wright admitted when asked about his elbow, via Biggs. “It hurts. You just play through it.”
That’s clearly the plan. Wright and the Bears are hoping it’s a good one.
