Evan Brown had a gigantic smile on his face when he was talking about the power of food.
As an offensive lineman, there is certainly a love for food. But on Monday, the food wasn't helping him on the field.
It was helping him connect with the community.
Brown was among a dozen Cardinals that took part in the annual "Feed the Hungry" event at the Phoenix Rescue Mission – Changing Lives Center."
"It's a little something inside that makes you feel good because you're giving them a little bit of joy during what they're dealing with in their life," the guard said. "If we can give them that little extra smile throughout the day, I see a lot of happy faces of families eating together, that's all you can ask for."
Monday marked the 23rd time the Cardinals held this event. Also in attendance were Nicole and Tim Bidwill, siblings of Cardinals owner Michael Bidwill, Big Red, and members of the Cardinals cheer team. More than 150 women and children were served food to celebrate Thanksgiving week.
The Cardinals players were wearing aprons, plating the food, and sharing it with those in attendance.
"It's the season of giving back and giving thanks," Brown said. "We're very fortunate with what we're able to do and where we are able to play a kid's game and get paid very well for it. Anytime that we're able to give back to the community, I think that we have to take advantage of it."
Cornerback Garrett Williams was the "bread man," making sure that each plate had a roll on it. Running back Michael Carter was the dessert guy, handing out a variety of cakes and pies, all while chatting with the kids. Wide receiver Andre Baccellia was on drinks duty, making sure everyone's cup was full.
"We play football, so our lives get consumed by that, but there's so many more things that go on for people outside in their day to days and it's easy to lose sense of that when you're in the mix," Williams said. "It's always a good reminder, keeping you humble, and just wanting to give back and keep people served and taken care of."
The loss to the Jaguars from the day prior was still on the minds of many of the players. But when they walked into the building and were greeted by the families, especially in the wake of the defeat, it put things in perspective.
There's still a lot to be grateful for during the holiday season.
"It's amazing," Williams said. "Especially to see it in these situations for everybody to come together and share this moment together. We all go back to different walks and paths of life, but to be able to share it together and everybody be in a good mood together, it means a lot."
