California’s got Rodgers’ back, and now Aaron Rodgers has California’s back. The New York Jets’ QB, a Chico native, dug deep into his pockets to deliver a much-needed Hail Mary for his hometown facing devastation by the Thompson Fire.

“My heart goes out to the families and communities affected,” A-Rod said in a news release. This sentiment wasn’t just lip service. Rodgers, along with the North Valley Community Foundation (NVCF), launched a $100,000 relief package to assist 28,000 evacuees. 

The Thompson Fire burned through over 3,500 acres near Oroville. The NVCF, pros at wildfire relief since the 2018 CampFire, knows the drill. They’ve established a ‘Wildfire Relief’ and ‘Recovery Fund’ that’s already distributed over $67 million to Camp Fire survivors.

This isn’t Rodgers’ first rodeo supporting his NorCal roots. The four-time NFL MVP, who prepped at Pleasant Valley High School and played college ball at Butte College before shining at Cal Berkeley, set up the Aaron Rodgers NorCal Recovery Fund at the NVCF after the Campfire.

“We know how important it is to move quickly when people are in crisis,” said NVCF President and CEO Alexa Benson-Valavanis. Teaming up with Rodgers, the NVCF will distribute funds to groups offering emergency shelter, gas cards, food, and more to evacuees.

With eight firefighters already injured fighting the blaze, things are still pretty intense. However, the evacuees know they’re not alone in this time of need, all thanks to NVCF’s quick action and Rodgers’ generosity. 

Jets’ QB Aaron Rodgers’ impact on charity and community 

New York’s star QB Rodgers’ impact goes far beyond the gridiron. This future Hall-of-Famer sits near the top of the NFL’s all-time earnings list, pulling in a hefty $263.6 million over his career. But unlike some athletes, A-Rod doesn’t just stack bills; he invests in charitable causes too. For over a decade, Rodgers has teamed up with The MACC Fund, a non-profit focused on childhood cancer research. He’s racked up over $3 million in interceptions (the good kind!) for their cause, even auctioning off custom cleats during the NFL’s My Cause, My Cleats campaign. 

But Aaron Rodgers’ got more up his sleeves than just football charity. This QB is also a golf enthusiast, participating in events like the annual Andy North and Friends Golf Getaway. These charity events raise funds for the University of Wisconsin’s cancer research center, another big win for those battling the disease. Even off-field, A-Rod’s teeing off for a cure.

Remember his guest stint on Jeopardy? Rodgers turned his winnings into a touchdown for his hometown, selecting the North Valley Community Foundation (NVCF) as the recipient of a cool $236,725. A-Rod and the Jets know the kind of value the community holds. They partner up with the Salvation Army for fundraisers every Christmas, matching donations up to $50k and organizing fun events. 

From childhood cancer research to supporting local communities, Aaron Rodgers has come a long way, proving what it means to give back to the nation. No wonder he’s such an inspiration both on and off-field.