Buffalo Bills running back James Cook has made a significant impact on the field this season, and his success is extending well beyond the game. His performance has inspired donations to Build Promise, a new homeless shelter and community center located on Buffalo’s east side. This initiative highlights how sports achievements can translate into meaningful community support.
Fantasy Football Drives Donations
As Cook has excelled in his role, a growing trend among fantasy football players has emerged where they contribute to the shelter in response to his accomplishments. According to Howard Rich, chairman of the Build Promise Board, many donors mention Cook’s stellar performance as their motivation for giving. “When people do make donations, they say James Cook had a fabulous year. He won my [fantasy league] for me, so I want to donate. So they send a check directly into us,” Rich explained.
Cook expressed his commitment to the community, stating, “I’m proud to support Build Promise because it’s really about giving back, showing up for people, and helping out where we can. If I can use my platform to support people who are working to get back on their feet, that means a lot to me.” His dedication illustrates how athletes can leverage their visibility to foster positive change.
Community Engagement and Fundraising Efforts
Recently, Cook visited the Build Promise shelter, where he collaborated with attorney William Mattar to shoot a commercial promoting the charity. Notably, Mattar’s iconic phone number aligns with Cook’s jersey number, creating a memorable partnership. Together, they joined forces with 26 Shirts to sell merchandise, generating over $5,000 for Build Promise in addition to the funds raised through fantasy football donations.
Rich emphasized the importance of Cook’s presence, stating, “What I think is so great about a guy like James Cook is that he came in here and he shook everybody’s hand. Bills Mafia loves him, and if we could get the Bills Mafia to support Build Promise the way he supported us, you know we’re off into the races.” This sentiment underscores the strong connection between the team, its fans, and local initiatives.
Cook’s athletic achievements have been noteworthy, as he rushed for over 1,600 yards during the regular season, earning the NFL’s rushing title. Reflecting on this accomplishment, he remarked, “It’s something special I had checked off my goal list.” His performance drew attention from peers, including Derrick Henry of the Baltimore Ravens, who was in pursuit of the title but fell short by less than 30 yards in a recent game.
After the Bills’ game, Cook recalled feeling anxious as he watched Henry compete. “I was panicking,” he admitted, but the evening ended in celebration with family and friends, who honored him with a cake featuring the words “Rushing CHAMP” and a candle shaped like the number 4.
James Cook’s dual impact—on the field and in the community—demonstrates how sports figures can inspire positive change and support essential services like Build Promise. His commitment to philanthropy and community service sets an example for fellow athletes and fans alike.
