Lamar Jackson 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, Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson 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. Jackson, 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. Lamar Jackson, 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,” Jackson said in a statement.
Inspired by Mateo’s generosity, Jackson 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,” Jackson 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 Jackson’s gesture, saying, “We’re so thankful for Lamar’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 Lamar is helping me,” Mateo said with a smile. “I just want to keep helping people when I can.”
As for Jackson, 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,” Jackson 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.
Cowboys’ CeeDee Lamb drops positive injury revelation ahead of return
The Dallas Cowboys are on the verge of getting CeeDee Lamb back on the field as he dropped a positive injury revelation ahead of his return.
First, CeeDee Lamb returned to the Dallas Cowboys' practice field. Then, Dak Prescott got all hyped up. And now, Lamb dropped a positive injury revelation ahead of his return, according to a post on X by Todd Archer.
“CeeDee Lamb on his ankle: “I feel like I’m moving around, running around, being me. Happy as can be, obviously, just believing in my ankle. Obviously, I feel like it’s back to where I needed it to be.” Said he could've returned last week, but caution was best served.”
Lamb’s return comes at an opportune time for the Cowboys, who face a critical NFC East contest against the Commanders. Dallas enters with a record of 2-3-1 while the Commanders are 3-3.
Cowboys WR CeeDee Lamb looks like a good bet for Week 7
Prescott said he’s excited about the way things look for Lamb, according to a post on X by Jon Machota.
“Dak Prescott: “He looks great. He’s ready to go. It’s going to be fun.”
Also, head coach Brian Schottenheimer weighed in with enthusiasm on whether Lamb would face the Commanders, according to dallascowboys.com.
“Yeah, if he's breathing,” joked Schottenheimer. “Honestly, yeah. CeeDee knows how to play football. If he runs around and catches a pass or two, I'm good.”
And Lamb’s running mate brought the positive heat. George Pickens said the Commanders’ defense will be in trouble.
“I don't even think the words can fully explain him, and possibly [KaVontae Turpin] too, so super excited,” Pickens said. “[The offense can be] way more dangerous and way more explosive, too, when you got other guys like CeeDee and Turp — it's another component of explosiveness that you can't really describe … and don't forget about Jake [Ferguson].”
Both the Cowboys and Commanders are coming off tough losses. The Commanders lost on a last-second field goal by the Bears, while the Cowboys did likewise against the Panthers.
