Blake Corum Displays Generosity During Holidays

Blake Corum has a very bright future ahead.

The Michigan running back just helped his team defeat Washington and clinch the national championship win with Corum scoring twice during the game.

The 23-year-old is undoubtedly talented on the field. However, he continues to prove his concern for more than just football.

A huge crowd for Corum

On Saturday, December 9, Corum held the BC2 Holiday Toy Drive at the Somerset Collection Mall in Troy, Michigan. Organizations such as Champions Circle, Bank of America, and the Michigan Army National Guard sponsored the gathering. 

The event was open to anyone. All individuals had to do was bring a gift for a child in need, and then they could snap a photo with Corum. The running back expected a big crowd, but he didn’t plan for the volume of fans that showed up.

Over 25,000 gifts were donated. In addition, organizers estimated that there were probably around 15,000 to 20,000 individuals who met him at the mall, according to WXYZ – Channel 7 News.

“I was expecting a big turnout — but I didn’t think it was going to be this big,” Corum said. “It was like the whole state of Michigan came out. It felt like you were kind of in the Big House. That’s what it felt like.”

“I hope Santa doesn’t have any beef with me today,” Corum added. “We had more people come to this event than him.”

A few of his teammates even showed their support at the event, as well. Linebacker Junior Colson, defensive backs Mike Sainristil and Will Johnson, and tight end Colston Loveland all joined Corum.

“It was like we were almost movie stars,” Johnson, Michigan’s all-Big Ten cornerback, said to MLive. “They were showing a lot of love. We were taking a lot of pictures. It’s good to interact with the fans like that; really get into the community and see everybody up close.”

The best teammate

Corum thanked everyone for coming and shared that the majority of the toys are going to Detroit Rescue Mission Ministries, an organization dedicated to providing shelter, food, and other resources to homeless individuals and those who struggle with addiction. 

Corum also noted that he would send some of the gifts to Colson and Sainristil’s native homeland, Haiti.

“This is not about me whatsoever,” said Corum. “I didn’t set this all up. It took a lot of us. This event, even though it is called the third annual “BC2 Give Back 2 Give Thanks,’ so many people made this happen. It’s not about me whatsoever. It’s more so about a small community that wants to make a difference, and we all come together and make a difference. Small groups can change the bigger picture for sure, and I feel like that’s what we were doing.”

The Wolverine also shared footage of the gift donations right before Christmas on his Instagram.

Corum has demonstrated a passion for giving back. On Jan. 14 he declared for the 2024 NFL Draft. It wouldn’t be surprising if teams will be clamoring to land the Michigan running back. He has qualities that coaches look for not only as an athlete but also as a person.

Victoria Jonach is an aspiring writer and media analyst fascinated by what kinds of activities players participate in off the football field. Growing up in New Jersey, she is a New York Giants fan and attends Rutgers University, pursuing a career in Journalism and Media Studies. She writes for FirstRoundMock.com covering anticipated draft picks and their acts of volunteerism, entrepreneurship, and other interests that shape these individuals.