New York Giants News: Tyrod Taylor Provides Funding For A Wellness Center Back Home

Hampton native Tyrod Taylor has always had the desire to use the platform he has as an NFL quarterback for the New York Giants to give back to the place he calls home.

That passion got a massive addition on Saturday, with the official dedication of the Tyrod Taylor Wellness Center at the Boys & Girls Club of the Virginia Peninsula-Citizen in Hampton.

Tyrod Taylor Provides Funding For A Wellness Center Back Home

The Tyrod Taylor Wellness Center was just established by the Giants’ backup quarterback, who recently put his money where his mouth is. Together with his hometown of Hampton, Virginia, and a late unknown donor, Taylor’s eponymous philanthropic organization raised $1.8 million for a first-phase rehabilitation of a neighborhood Boys & Girls Club that completely changed a run-down, abandoned area.

“That weighed on my mind early on, and if my headspace wasn’t right at the time then it could’ve been perceived differently,” a reflective Taylor told The Post about that 2017 experience. “I’m a better person for it now — it was something to learn from. I’m thankful for my upbringing because every day you are faced with different challenges. Educating yourself on getting through those emotions is big.”

“The city stepping up had a lot to do with Tyrod stepping up,” said Hal Smith, CEO of the Boys and Girls Clubs of the Virginia Peninsula. “Tyrod sees a lot of the kids that come to the club are much like him growing up. No matter your economic circumstances, kids need a positive place to go and positive role models, and Tyrod is standing up and being one of them.”

With free yoga instruction on Saturday morning, Taylor returned this weekend for the opening. Since a few years ago, Taylor has been practicing yoga to cope with the physical and psychological difficulties of being a starting quarterback at the top level.

He claimed that organizations like the Boys and Girls Clubs assisted him in developing, and that having his name on the structure contributed a great deal of emotion.

The highs and lows of Taylor’s 13-year NFL career serve as a metaphor for life. He has started in the playoffs and made the Pro Bowl. He’s been traded, benched, and accused of medical malpractice. His sixth team is the Giants.

“As you continue playing, you understand that not only does your body have to be ready for a season but your mind has to be ready for a season,” Taylor said. “Mental health looks different for everyone, but everyone who’s breathing is dealing with something.

 

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