By making it to the NFL, Atlanta Falcons defensive end Takkarist McKinley kept a pledge he made in high school to his grandmother moments before she passed away. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The work Hall of Fame quarterback Dan Marino has done for autism has helped a young man in Miami who works at Hard Rock Stadium. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Every year, each NFL team selects a player for the Ed Block Courage Award, an honor bestowed on a player who serves as a role model of inspiration, sportsmanship, and courage. Pittsburgh Steelers cornerback Artie Burns was chosen by teammates to receive the award because of how he handles things at home following the death of his mother two years ago. Monday Night Countdown reporter, Michelle Beisner-Buck sat down with Burns to discuss how the 22-year-old keeps a handle on football and family. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

At 19, Amobi Okoye became youngest player drafted in NFL history as the Texans No. 10 pick in the 2007 draft. Now Okoye wants to become the first player to beat encephalitis. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Seattle Seahawks defensive end Michael Bennett is a powerful voice against social justice. Bennett also uses his platform to help juvenile's in the criminal justice system. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Will Witherspoon played LB in the NFL for the Panthers, Rams, Eagles and Titans. Today, he's a farmer in Missouri pushing the benefits of local farms and farm fresh foods. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Sam Gado was nine when he immigrated from Nigeria to the U.S. He was 13 when he started playing football. At 27 he retired to become an ear, throat and nose doctor. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Broncos' Assistant Turf Manager Luke Kellerman's two-year battle with colorectal cancer started a movement within the organization to recognize and honor all cancer survivors. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Philadelphia Eagles defensive end Chris Long took a life-changing trip to Tanzania in 2013. During his time in East Africa, his eyes were opened to the global water crisis. As a result, Chris founded "The Waterboys" to help bring clean water to Tanzania. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

When he played for the Patriots, Titans CB Logan Ryan adopted a shelter dog named, Leo. The joy Leo brought to his household led Ryan to start a campaign to save shelter dogs. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices