'Tis the season as our sports stars give back in big way
Professional athletes know their jobs come with lots of scrutiny, the non-stop spotlight shining on them and lots of highs and lows. And many of Minnesota's most prominent stars use their position to give back and make the holidays happier for others.
Case in point, Vikings defensive back Xavier Rhodes made sure a ton of toys reached kids at the University of Minnesota's Children's Hospital on Monday. Rhodes also helps his former Florida State coach Jimbo Fisher through the kidz1stfund - the charity he supported with custom cleats in Minnesota's game against Dallas on Dec. 1.
Hours after the Vikings' biggest loss of the season, tight end Kyle Rudolph and wide receiver Charles Johnson hosted a pack of kids from Children's Hospital for an airplane flight to the North Pole. A real jaw-dropping, nighttime airplane flight for the kids.
Blessed to get to take a trip to the North Pole with @kylerudolph82 and families of the @umnhealth Masonic Children's Hospital. pic.twitter.com/V3wW8HNdF8
— Charles Johnson (@MrInkredibleXII) December 20, 2016
The Pro Bowl tight end coordinated schedules with Santa Claus for the special visit.
As the Minnesota Wild enjoy the team's seven-game winning streak, players were also visiting Children’s Hospital on Monday.
