At the UFL, we believe that our impact should extend far beyond the football field. Today, we’re highlighting the Houston Roughnecks and their groundbreaking ‘Tackle Hunger’ initiative, a shining example of how our teams are making a difference in their communities.

The Birth of ‘Tackle Hunger’

Launched in the summer of 2024, ‘Tackle Hunger’ is the brainchild of Roughnecks’ quarterback Carson Strong and team president Brian Michael Cooper. The initiative aims to address food insecurity in the greater Houston area, a problem that affects over 700,000 people in Harris County alone.

How It Works

The ‘Tackle Hunger’ program operates on a simple yet powerful premise: for every touchdown the Roughnecks score, the team donates 1,000 meals to local food banks. But it doesn’t stop there:

• Fans can pledge additional meals based on team performance
• Local businesses have joined as partners, matching the team’s donations
• Players volunteer at food banks and community centers during the off-season

Making an Impact

In its inaugural season, the impact of ‘Tackle Hunger’ has been nothing short of remarkable:

• Over 500,000 meals donated to date
• Partnerships established with 15 local food banks
• 1,000+ volunteer hours logged by players and staff

“It’s about more than just football,” says Strong. “We have a platform and a responsibility to give back to the community that supports us.”

Beyond the Numbers

The ‘Tackle Hunger’ initiative goes beyond mere statistics. It’s about creating a sense of unity and purpose within the community. Local food bank director Maria Jimenez notes, “The Roughnecks aren’t just a football team anymore. They’re a vital part of our community support system.”

Player Involvement

What sets ‘Tackle Hunger’ apart is the personal involvement of the players. From packaging meals to delivering food to homebound seniors, Roughnecks players are hands-on in their commitment to the cause.

Defensive end Marcus Jones shares, “Seeing the direct impact we’re making… it’s humbling. It motivates me on the field knowing that every play could mean a meal for someone in need.”

Community Response

The Houston community has rallied around the initiative:

• Gameday food drives at TDECU Stadium regularly collect thousands of pounds of food
• Local schools have started ‘Tackle Hunger’ clubs, organizing their own food drives
• The program has inspired similar initiatives in other UFL cities

Looking Ahead

As the ‘Tackle Hunger’ initiative continues to grow, the Roughnecks are already planning expansions:

• Nutrition education programs in local schools
• Community gardens in food-insecure neighborhoods
• A ‘Tackle Hunger’ charity game, with proceeds going to local food banks

The Bigger Picture

The success of ‘Tackle Hunger’ exemplifies the UFL’s commitment to community engagement. It’s a reminder that sports teams can be powerful agents of positive change.

As UFL Commissioner Dany Garcia puts it, “What the Roughnecks are doing in Houston is exactly what the UFL is all about. We’re not just building a football league; we’re building stronger communities.”

The ‘Tackle Hunger’ initiative stands as a shining example of the UFL’s impact off the field. It’s a testament to the power of sports to unite, inspire, and make a real difference in people’s lives.

Stay tuned for more stories of UFL teams making a difference in their communities!