Detroit, Mich. – NFL wide-receiver and University of Michigan All-American, Braylon Edwards, and The Braylon Edwards Foundation will host its Annual Celebrity Basketball Game on April 13 at Pioneer High School from 8:00 – 10:00 pm, the day before the University of Michigan Spring Game.  Doors open at 7:00 p.m.

The current roster includes: Marlin Jackson and Braylon Edwards (NFLers), Denard Robinson, Roy Roundtree, Tim Hardaway Jr, Jordan Morgan, Alex Swieca (Michigan players), Mike Martin (NFL draftee), K9 (current welterweight world champion), Zach Novak and David Merritt (former basketball team captains), Stu Douglass, David Terrell, and Ron Bellamy (former Michigan players), Nic Harris (NFL free agent), Derrick Coleman (retired NBAer), Pierre Brown (retired NFler), Stacey Lovelace (retired WNBAer), Ralph Godbee (Detroit Police Chief), Jimmy King (Fab 5), Trigg da Kidd (rapper), Dr. Darrius, Heather Zara, Ryan Ermani and Erin Nicole (media personalities), Rob Parker (sports commentator), Brain Olatunji (NHRA Funny Car Driver), Comedian CP (YouTube sensation).

Proceeds from the event will go to the University of Michigan’s A. Alfred Taubman Medical Research Institute.  Funds collected from this event will benefit ALS (also known as Lou Gehrig’s disease) research being conducted by the scientists of the Taubman Institute. Dr. Eva Feldman, director of the Taubman Institute, has developed a groundbreaking stem cell treatment for ALS, which is currently receiving its human clinic trials.  Funding from this event will help Dr. Feldman continue her research.

“Last year we raised almost $30,000 for the Institute,” stated Edwards. “The majority of the general public still doesn’t realize how many people are impacted by this debilitating disease that seems to have a direct impact on athletes of contact sports.  I’m honored to partner with the University of Michigan Alumni Association and A. Alfred Taubman Medical Research Institute so that I can help continue to raise funds to help support research for new treatments.”

All tickets for this event will be general admission. General admission tickets are $20; student tickets are $15, and VIP tickets are $100.  To order tickets, visit www.braylonedwards.com for additional details.

The Braylon Edwards Foundation is a non-profit organization dedicated to addressing and meeting the needs of under-served youth in the concentrated area of education. The Foundation’s goal is to emphasize the importance of education by providing scholarships and incentives to youth who demonstrate strong commitment and effort to excel in academics, conduct and community volunteerism.

Media Contact:
Tatiana Grant
248.514.9620
tgrant@infusedpr.com

Family-Friendly Event Featuring University of Michigan Alumni Association and Celebrity Roster

Detroit, Mich. – NFL wide-receiver and University of Michigan All-American, Braylon Edwards, and The Braylon Edwards Foundation will host its Annual Celebrity Basketball Game on April 13 at Pioneer High School from 8:00 – 10:00 p.m, the day before the University of Michigan Spring Game. Doors open at 7:00 p.m.

The roster is being finalized and will be released early April. Last year’s roster and attendees included: former U of M players: Mike Hart, Marlin Jackson (Indianapolis Colts), Ryan Mundy (Pittsburgh Steelers), Britt Davis (Denver Broncos), Vernon Gholston (New York Jets), Willis McGahee (Baltimore Ravens), Manny Harris (Cleveland Cavaliers), Charlie Villanueva and Austin Daye (Detroit Pistons), Tim Hardaway Jr, Darius Morris, Zach Novak, Desmond Howard, Brady Hoke, Rob Parker (WDIV and ESPN), and Jimmy King (Fab 5).

Proceeds from the event will go to the University of Michigan’s A. Alfred Taubman Medical Research Institute. Funds collected from this event will benefit ALS (also known as Lou Gehrig’s disease) research being conducted by the scientists of the Taubman Institute. Dr. Eva Feldman, director of the Taubman Institute, has developed a groundbreaking stem cell treatment for ALS, which is currently receiving its human clinic trials. Funding from this event will help Dr. Feldman continue her research.

“Last year we raised almost $30,000 for the Institute,” stated Edwards. “The majority of the general public still doesn’t realize how many people are impacted by this debilitating disease that seems to have a direct impact on athletes of contact sports. I’m honored to partner with the University of Michigan Alumni Association and A. Alfred Taubman Medical Research Institute so that I can help continue to raise funds to help support research for new treatments.”

All tickets for this event will be general admission. General admission tickets are $20; student tickets are $15, and VIP tickets are $100. To order tickets, visit www.braylonedwards.com for additional details.

The Braylon Edwards Foundation is a non-profit organization dedicated to addressing and meeting the needs of under-served youth in the concentrated area of education. The Foundation’s goal is to emphasize the importance of education by providing scholarships and incentives to youth who demonstrate strong commitment and effort to excel in academics, conduct and community volunteerism.

Media Contact:
Tatiana Grant
248.514.9620
tgrant@infusedpr.com

Thanks to the support of sponsors, players and fans, the 2nd Annual Braylon Edwards Foundation Celebrity Basketball game was a big hit. The player roster included Steve Breaston (Arizona Cardinals), Vernon Gholston (New York Jets), Marlin Jackson and Mike Hart (Indianapolis Colts), Manny Harris (Cleveland Cavaliers), Charlie Villanueva and Austin Daye (Detroit Pistons), Zack Novak and Darius Morris (U-M men’s basketball team), Rob Parker (ESPN), Dr. Darrius (WJLB) and Stoney (Stoney and Wojo).

Buy Tickets: http://befcelebballgame2012.eventbrite.com/

Not only will the event be fun and exciting, it will benefit U-M researchers racing toward a treatment for ALS.

Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis – also known as Lou Gehrig’s disease – is a terrifying and fatal condition that currently has no cure. It progressively destroys the nerves that control voluntary muscle movement, leaving patients unable to move, speak and ultimately unable to breathe. Scientists are focusing their attention on the disproportionate number of athletes who have the disease — like its most famous sufferer, baseball great Lou Gehrig – and have uncovered evidence that sports-related head injuries may be connected to onset.

Funding from the Braylon Edwards Foundation will help Dr. Feldman to continue this groundbreaking ALS research.
2011 Braylon Edwards Foundation Celebrity Charity Basketball Game on PhotoPeach

2010 Braylon Edwards Foundation Celebrity Basketball Game – University of Michigan’s Crisler Arena on PhotoPeach

There. Now that the 28-year-old wide receiver’s legal issues are out of the way, here’s what you should really know about Braylon Edwards: He’s one of the good guys.

Last year, Edwards made headlines—for the right reasons—when he followed up on his pledge to pay for 100 Cleveland-area students to go to college. In 2007, Edwards’ best year with the Browns, the Pro-Bowler promised a $10,000 scholarship for every student who could graduate with a 2.5 GPA and 15 hours of community service. Four years later, 79 of those students exceeded the requirements—and Edwards paid for each one to further his or her education.

Some of the students who took part in Edwards’ Advance 100 initiative are now enrolled at Harvard, Cornell, and Johns Hopkins universities—a remarkable feat, considering that only half of Cleveland public school students ever make it out of high school. (The city has the third-lowest graduation rate in the country.)

Athletes donate their millions to charities all the time, but few ring as sincere in their efforts as Edwards. Here, the free agent receiver—he was waived by the 49ers in December because of a nagging knee injury—speaks about the importance of philanthropy, and why your favorite team would be wise to sign him to play next season.

Men’s Health: What spawned the Advance 100 initiative?

Braylon Edwards: I’ve been given so much, and I wanted to reach out and give back to people. My mom and I came up with a foundation that we really could believe in, be proud of, and relate to. See, it’s hard to do something just to do it. Even though it would’ve been great to promote breast cancer awareness, I really can’t relate to it. I don’t know anything about it. But I do know education, and that became the reoccurring theme. In Detroit, where I’m from, we had the lowest high school graduation rate. In Cleveland, when I was with the Browns, we had the third lowest.

Men’s Health: How involved were you with the students during the program?

Braylon Edwards: We did a bunch of different things for them. It’s easy to go, “You do this, I’ll do that, and we’ll see you in 4 years.” But we worked with these kids all the time. We got them into college courses on the weekends, so most of the kids who made it to college this year already had credit going in. We put them in etiquette classes—the ones that teach young men how to shake hands, how to tie a tie, and how to sit down at the proper place setting. We wondered, “What do these kids need in life that they can’t get in high school?” Sometimes we just sat down and talked about life with them. We had one girl get pregnant early on toward the end of her freshman year in high school. Obviously it’s not what we wanted, but we didn’t shy away from that. We helped her with whatever she needed, and she ended up graduating in just three years as a 4.2 student, and she now goes to Bowling Green on a full-ride scholarship. As a mother. I’m really proud of what we did.

Men’s Health: Do you think some athletes donate to charity just because it’s what’s expected of them as people in the public eye? And why is it so important to actually back up those actions?

Braylon Edwards: Athletes should give more of a shit—if they really mean it. They should take time to found a foundation that they can believe in and support. That’s opposed to their financial advisers or agents saying, “Hey, you should donate $10,000 to this hurricane relief fund and tweet about it.” Listen, we’re blessed individuals. Let’s call a spade a spade. We drive high-end vehicles, stay in nice areas in nice houses, and wear nice jewelry. We do, for the most part, whatever we want to do. So I think we have to remember what went into us getting where we are along the way. At the end of the day, I don’t get anything back from it. I’ve been given so much, so why not help? So many people need reassurance. You can go to high school on a day-to-day basis and listen to the teacher tell you, “If you do this, that, and a third, you can go to college and become a doctor,” and so on. It’s one thing for students to hear that from a teacher’s mouth, but it’s another thing to hear that from athletes or entertainers who they watch, mimic, and idolize.

Men’s Health: How involved were you with the students during the program?

Braylon Edwards: We did a bunch of different things for them. It’s easy to go, “You do this, I’ll do that, and we’ll see you in 4 years.” But we worked with these kids all the time. We got them into college courses on the weekends, so most of the kids who made it to college this year already had credit going in. We put them in etiquette classes—the ones that teach young men how to shake hands, how to tie a tie, and how to sit down at the proper place setting. We wondered, “What do these kids need in life that they can’t get in high school?” Sometimes we just sat down and talked about life with them. We had one girl get pregnant early on toward the end of her freshman year in high school. Obviously it’s not what we wanted, but we didn’t shy away from that. We helped her with whatever she needed, and she ended up graduating in just three years as a 4.2 student, and she now goes to Bowling Green on a full-ride scholarship. As a mother. I’m really proud of what we did.

Men’s Health: Do you think some athletes donate to charity just because it’s what’s expected of them as people in the public eye? And why is it so important to actually back up those actions?

Braylon Edwards: Athletes should give more of a shit—if they really mean it. They should take time to found a foundation that they can believe in and support. That’s opposed to their financial advisers or agents saying, “Hey, you should donate $10,000 to this hurricane relief fund and tweet about it.” Listen, we’re blessed individuals. Let’s call a spade a spade. We drive high-end vehicles, stay in nice areas in nice houses, and wear nice jewelry. We do, for the most part, whatever we want to do. So I think we have to remember what went into us getting where we are along the way. At the end of the day, I don’t get anything back from it. I’ve been given so much, so why not help? So many people need reassurance. You can go to high school on a day-to-day basis and listen to the teacher tell you, “If you do this, that, and a third, you can go to college and become a doctor,” and so on. It’s one thing for students to hear that from a teacher’s mouth, but it’s another thing to hear that from athletes or entertainers who they watch, mimic, and idolize.

Men’s Health: Does getting recognition for your philanthropy help clear the Braylon Edwards name?

Braylon Edwards: It was really just two instances where I was in the wrong place at the wrong time that left a stain on my name and my career. So it feels really good to see my philanthropy getting the attention it deserves. Maybe Braylon Edwards isn’t who we thought he was. In the same sense, it’s one of those things where nothing matters if you’re successful. All can be forgiven when someone is successful. And philanthropy doesn’t matter if you’re not successful. You watch someone like Ben Roethlisberger. He had back-to-back summers when he was dodging rape cases. But then he went to the Super Bowl and everyone forgot about all of that. It happens all the time. I’m just happy that the foundation is getting the notoriety that it should, because we’ve worked so hard.

Men’s Health: You’re a free agent in April. Give me your best pitch for why I should pay you money to come play for my team, knowing that you’ve had health problems and legal troubles in the past.

Braylon Edwards: In terms of the health issues, by the time April rolls around [when NFL free agency begins], I will have been in Miami for several months working with one of the nation’s best rehab specialists and knee surgeons. The health will be there. I’m still on the minor side of 30, so I’ve got some years left. Also, in terms of the two incidents, hey, nobody’s perfect. Everybody’s put in situations when they’re challenged, but the key is, how did you come back from adversity? In both instances, I’ve grown. I’ve never been a bad presence in the locker room, and I’ve never gotten into any issues with a coach or fellow player. If there’s team that wants that, along with some playoff experience, then I’m here.

As a rookie with the Cleveland Browns, Braylon Edwards promised 100 public school 8th graders $10,000 towards college if they became exemplary students. Rick Reilly sits down with Braylon Edwards to discuss this program.

“Although I cannot be at home because I’ll be with my team, the San Francisco 49ers, I still wanted to do something for my hometown,” said Braylon Edwards, founder of the Braylon Edwards Foundation. “I know that things are difficult in Michigan right now and I felt it was my responsibility to assist in providing a Christmas for families as well honor the work of Eleanor Josaitis who passed earlier this year.”

Edwards is unable to attend, due to NFL commitments but will deliver a special video message for attendees. Members of the foundation will be present to distribute the items in his absence. Eleanor Josaitis had been a supporter of the foundation serving as co-chair for the 2010 Braylon Edwards Foundation Brunch and was honored for her service in the community at this year’s event.

The “Turkeys & Toys Giveaway” will take place at the Focus: HOPE Conference Center located at 1300 Oakman Boulevard, Detroit, MI 48238. Due to the responsiveness of the past events, Focus: HOPE has pre-selected families to participate in the program; it is not open to the public.

Turkeys & Toys 2010 – - Braylon Edwards Foundation

The Braylon Edwards Foundation is a non-profit organization dedicated to addressing and meeting the needs of under-served youth in the concentrated area of education. The Foundation’s goal is to emphasize the importance of education by providing scholarships and incentives to youth who demonstrate strong commitment and effort to excel in academics, conduct and community volunteerism. http://www.braylonedwardsfoundation.org/

Focus: HOPE a non-profit organization dedicated to intelligent and practical solutions to the problems of hunger, economic disparity, inadequate education, and racial divisiveness. For over 40 years the organization has served southeast Michigan by providing food and career services programs. http://www.focushope.edu/

(Nov. 8, 2011)—Being the only child during his early years, Braylon Edwards spent a lot of time with his family dogs and from there, his first love of man’s best friend was born. Now, the San Francisco 49ers wide receiver considers his pet Rottweiler Louis one of his best friends. So, when his veterinarian told him that neutering Louis might help prolong his companion’s life, Edwards didn’t hesitate to take that important step.

“I love my dog and I’ll do anything to extend our friendship,” Edwards says, petting Louis in a new HSUS video airing on YouTube and The Humane Society of the United States’ homepage.

The videos will be included in Pets for Life training toolkits and will be used in humane education presentations. The toolkits will be made available for animal service providers and animal welfare organizations interested in learning more about conducting effective community outreach.

The HSUS’ Pets for Life program operates in five major U.S. cities, focusing on the most underserved communities. Pets for Life offers free services like pet vaccination, spay/neuter and training. The program is built on community outreach and education in animal welfare, helping to elevate the human/animal bond across socio-economic borders.

Amanda Arrington, associate director for The Humane Society of the United States’ Pets for Life programs, said Edwards’ love for animals makes him a perfect Pets for Life advocate.

“Braylon Edwards is an intense competitor on the field, but at home, he is a best friend to his dog, Louis, and we love the passion he brings to this cause. If he can help convince one person that spaying and neutering a pet is a healthy and happy choice for their animal, we will be making a difference together,” Arrington said.

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HSUS Media Contact: Pepper Van Tassell: 240-751-0232; pvantassell@humanesociety.org

Follow The HSUS on Twitter. See our work for animals on your Apple or Android device by searching for our “HumaneTV” app.

ABOUT THE HSUS: The Humane Society of the United States is the nation’s largest animal protection organization — backed by 11 million Americans, or one of every 28. For more than a half-century, The HSUS has been fighting for the protection of all animals through advocacy, education and hands-on programs. Celebrating animals and confronting cruelty — On the Web at humanesociety.org.

ABOUT BRAYLON EDWARDS: Braylon Edwards is an NFL wide receiver, philanthropist and business leader. He is a University of Michigan All-American and recipient of the prestigious, Fred Biletnikoff Award. Shortly after being drafted by the Cleveland Browns, Edwards founded his Foundation with the thought-process of “receiving means giving.” The Braylon Edwards Foundation is a non-profit organization dedicated to addressing and meeting the needs of under-served youth in the concentrated areas of education and health. The Foundation’s goal is to emphasize the importance of education by providing scholarships and incentives to youth who demonstrate strong commitment and effort to excel in academics, conduct and community volunteerism. To date, the Foundation has donated more than $1.5 million to charitable giving. 

Delaine Walker needs a new contract today: Walker does so many things for the 49ers it’s easy to miss him on the field due to his versatility. Walker plays TE, WR, HB and FB and is a huge contributor in the run game as well as providing miss matches for defenses as a TE that runs like a WR. Walker signed a 6 year $5.5 million deal which expires after next season. It’s time for the 49ers to extend one of the truly unique players in football.

Page 2: The rest of my week 8 observations

Braylon Edwards is healthy: Given the annual Michael Crabtree injury saga when a 49er WR comes back from an injury let’s just say I’m a little skeptical until I see him on the field. Edwards looked crisp, quick and ready on Sunday, a sign that he is 100% healthy and ready to contribute for the 49ers. Edwards’s role will be huge in determining how far this team can go in the playoffs.

Michael Crabtree is the #1 WR, for now: Crabtree has long had the “diva” label, some of it warranted some of it not. Whether you like Crabs or not his ability cannot be denied. Crabs has been exceptional all year in the run game with great downfield blocking. He and Alex Smith have long struggled to find chemistry with one another. That all seems to be changing as Crabtree has been Smith’s favorite target the last couple weeks and has had by far the most passes come him way. Crabtree’s development into a true #1 WR would be a huge development for the offense. For right now it’s clear, Crabtree is the teams #1 WR that is until Braylon Edwards gets accustomed to the offense then it’s anyone’s guess that will be #1.

Another week, another win: It wasn’t pretty, especially in the 2nd half. But 6-1 is 6-1; a 4 game lead in the NFC West is well a 4 game lead in the NFC West. My biggest take away from the 49ers week 8 game is that the team can win without playing its best football. Aside from the Bucs game the 49ers really haven’t played their best football for 4 quarters this season. The team is only getting better with its young roster and new head coach Jim Harbaugh.