Blake Corum is being widely praised for being selfless.
Corum is a Michigan running back who has been a large reason for the team’s success this season, although he has missed the last two-plus games with an injured ankle.
While he hopes to play Saturday, the running back decided to use his time off to purchase 100 turkeys to be distributed in the Ypsilanti community and use money he has made from name, image and likeness (NIL) — which launched in July and allows college athletes to profit off their brands — to purchase the turkeys for families to enjoy Thanksgiving.
Several athletes have been using NIL funds to give back to their communities throughout the 2021 season.
“I’ve always given back, whether it’s a football camp or small things,” Corum said. “I’ve always invested in giving back to my community and trying to get the next generation to live out their dreams. Thanksgiving was coming along, NIL is going really good, and I told my Dad (James), ‘I’m going to buy 100 turkeys.’”
Corum turns 21 on Thursday, which happens to be Thanksgiving Day.
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“When I was growing up in the athletic world, people helped me. They looked out, they helped me,” Corum said. “I didn’t really need much, but people were there for me. I just wanted to be able to give back in any way possible whether it be giving out turkeys, just small things that put a smile on someone’s face.
“It’s an important holiday. Everyone deserves to have a nice little meal.”
