IDONIJE AND OGUNLEYE GIVE GIFT THAT’S ALL HEART

A few months back we posted a story about Israel “Izzy” Idonije, defensive tackle for the Chicago Bears, about the awesome work he does through his charitable foundation. The benevolent six-foot-sixster  is at it again, with a life-saving gesture to a child in need.

Just after mini-camp in March, Idonije and fellow NFLers Adewale (”Wale”) Ogunleye and Tommie Harris (Bears), Amobi Okoye and Xavier Abidi (Houston Texans), Osi Umenyiora (NY Giants), and Nnamdi Asomugha (Oakland Raiders) embarked upon a nine-day mission trip to Nigeria. While there, Idonije and Ogunleye heard about a four-year-old who was in need of life-saving surgery; the little girl had been born with a hole in her heart.

The Heart Gift Foundation, an Austin, Texas-based organization that provides free surgery to correct life-threatening heart defects for children from all over the world, had agreed to donate the surgery. The remaining challenge–getting the girl and her mother to Texas. The family had been trying to raise the funds for airfare (Lagos, Nigeria to Austin, TX…not exactly an inexpensive flight). But as the surgery date of April 13th drew near, it didn’t look like the monies would be raised, and the procedure was almost canceled. Enter: Idonije and Ogunleye, who picked up the tab and split the cost of the tickets so mother and daughter could make the trip.

Adewale Ogunleye with some very excited fans

Hugbacker caught up with Izzy this weekend for a quick chat. “They were having difficulty raising the funds to buy the two tickets,” he told us. “During our second medical clinic the mother and the young girl were there and the situation was brought to [Wale's and my] attention. Doing the little we could was a no-brainer.”

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ASOMUGHA INVITED BY BILL CLINTON TO SPECIAL WEEKEND

Some people make you feel like a better person by simply knowing them. Case in point: Oakland Raider cornerback and Hugbacker fave Nnamdi Asomugha. One week after his debut as a Pro Bowl starter, Nnamdi was invited to attend yet another special event–this time as a guest of none other than former President Bill Clinton.

PHOTO: Steve Hopson/stevehopson.com

Nnamdi was the only athlete at President Clinton’s annual Global Initiative University Meeting, which took place February 13-15 in Austin, TX.  The Clinton Global Initiative (CGI) was established in 2005, with its annual meeting serving as “a nonpartisan catalyst, bringing together global leaders, students, university representatives, nonprofit organizations, charities, and business leaders to discuss challenges and devise innovative solutions.”

We caught up with Nnamdi today to get his thoughts on the weekend, and he told us, “Being able to talk to 1,500 university students and professors worldwide on the topics of education and public service was like a dream come true. President Clinton and the celebrities who attended were all gracious, and we shared the same mind when it comes to helping the world be a better place. It was truly an honor.”

Nnamdi shakes hands with actor Matthew McConaughey

PHOTO:  Reuters

We’re pretty sure this is just the tip of the iceberg as far as Nnamdi being tapped for his experienced counsel in improving the lives of others…the man is nonstop inspiration!

Pro Bowl-Bound NNAMDI ASOMUGHA is Even More Elite OFF The Field

Kids love being around him; wide receivers don’t.

NFL cornerback Nnamdi Asomugha’s dedication to improving and enhancing the lives of others is no secret around Oakland, where he plays; around Los Angeles, where he grew up; around the league, where he’s constantly recognized, and even around the world. Yep, the world. He’s the primary financial supporter of the OWIN Foundation, the charitable organization founded by his mom, Dr. Lilian Asomugha, which provides support (medical, financial, educational, and spiritual) to orphans and widows throughout Africa.

PHOTO: Robert Laberge/Getty

Keep reading to find out more about Nnamdi and his awesome generosity…

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