Ezekiel Ansah has donated his time and money often during his three years with the Detroit Lions. He has given money for kids to go to Tigers games. He has visited schools.
On Friday, though, he went a bit further with his helping efforts. Ansah traveled to Flint, Michigan, and led donations of 94,000 bottles of water to help the citizens of Flint as they deal with a water crisis.
“I am thankful to be in a position to do something about this,” Ansah said in a statement. “I can only hope this helps as a more permanent solution is being determined. It speaks volumes that my teammates were happy to jump on board and support as well.
“These are our fans. These are the people that support us and it means something to be able to help them as well.”
Dave Birkett of the Detroit Free Press is reporting that several Lions defensive linemen, led by Ansah, actually made the donation.
Flint’s water is contaminated by lead, forcing the city’s residents to use bottled water for drinking, bathing and cooking. A federal state of emergency has been declared.
Ansah, who is going to his first Pro Bowl next week, is the latest athlete to offer assistance.
Seattle Seahawks running back Thomas Rawls, a Flint native, has plans to help his community. The Washington Redskins defensive line also donated 3,600 water bottles. Earlier this month, the Lions as an organization donated an undisclosed amount of money to the United Way to help with the water crisis, particularly for trucks delivering the water.
Lions Pro Bowl DE Ziggy Ansah, who wears No. 94, is delivering 94,000 bottles of water to Flint today. pic.twitter.com/xj027yuPZs
— Tim Twentyman (@ttwentyman) January 22, 2016