Missouri’s Darius Robinson: A True Leader

I continuously hear about players’ Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) partnerships, commercials, and other deals that financially benefit them. These deals undoubtedly deserve attention, but it seems like sometimes they overshadow acts of kindness.

One player in particular has a project that deserves to be highlighted.

Helping Hands Foundation

Missouri defensive lineman Darius Robinson created the Helping Hands Foundation this past November. His goal is to support various groups in need of resources. 

“I have decided in my heart to make a commitment to do 3 charitable events each year starting [in] 2024,” Robinson captioned a post announcing his new organization. 

It makes sense that Robinson is creating his own foundation for volunteer work. In the past year, he was consistently seen giving back to children. Just last year, he accomplished his goal of four volunteer events, so this year should be easy.

Robinson goes back to school

In March, he visited children in Columbia, Missouri, and read to the kids.

After this, he announced his Helping Hands organization in November, Robinson visited Columbia Missouri again to give back. He visited Cedar Ridge Elementary in Columbia, Missouri with teammates Kristian Williams and Austin Firestone. 

Finally, in December he called upon members of his organization to help donate to families in need in Columbia.

“This holiday season, I’m delighted to share that I’ll be contributing $500 to each of two deserving families in Columbia, Missouri, to bring them Christmas presents and joy,” Robinson posted. 

After only a week, Robinson received $3,845 in donations. He was able to split this with not only two but three families in need of some extra Christmas spirit. 

Robinson gives back to the schools

Last August, Robinson led his first annual back-to-school drive. Here he donated 100 bookbags and gave away autographed merchandise from Mizzou.  

Robinson shared why it is so important for him to give back, especially in terms of school supplies.

“I always thought about back-to-school drives and how stressed out my mom would be about school supplies, so I reached out to my church and figured out what things they needed to be done over here for going back to school day,” Robinson said. “They said they didn’t have backpacks, so I did my research and bought 100 backpacks and donated them to the kids in Columbia.

“Sometimes your situation is check-to-check and bills come first before school supplies,” Robinson continued. “My mom always worked hard and made sure I had what I needed. Not what I wanted, but what I needed, and I’m so appreciative of her and thankful for this opportunity.”

Awarded for his efforts

Shortly after creating Helping Hands, Robinson was named to the Southeastern Conference Football Community Service Team, a group chosen for their “superior service efforts.” Mizzou highlighted the many reasons why he was chosen.

“He served as a mentor at Cedar Ridge Elementary in Fall 2023 and logged over 70 hours of community service, spending time volunteering with Columbia Public Schools, Playing 4 Hope, MU Children’s Hospital, Coyote Hill, UCP Heartland, Fun City Youth Academy, Mizzou Athletics Kids Camps, Habitat for Humanity, Tiger Tuesdays, Salvation Army, Battle High School, Harbor House among a number of organizations”

Currently, Robinson is predicted to be a first-round draft pick. I think it is safe to say he will accomplish his goal, and maybe even more by this time next year.

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.