The children’s book “Kelvin’s Big Adventure Map” came out in October, around the time when the author was playing muscle tight end for the Arizona Cardinals.
Kelvin Beachum, now starting at right tackle, has always been about much more than football. His book, based on his life and showing how his NFL career gave him the chance to travel the world, also explains how he has explored new cultures and ways to impact the community.
The book sales support literacy programs through Donors Choose.
The author, meanwhile, had yet another line on his extensive charitable resumé that has now earned him the honor of being the Cardinals Walter Payton Man of the Year for the second time. Beachum was also chosen in 2021.
"While so many players on our team and throughout the league do amazing work in the community, the level of passion and commitment that Kelvin has exhibited during his six seasons in Arizona and throughout his 14-year NFL career is extraordinary," Cardinals owner Michael Bidwill said. "He truly pours his heart into everything he undertakes – eliminating food insecurity, increasing access to technology and educational opportunities, leading on social justice initiatives. It is remarkable, commendable and illustrates exactly why he is so deserving of this honor."
Beachum was also named the Jets Man of the Year in 2018.
With the honor, Beachum gets a $40,000 donation to his preferred charity, and he will be up for the NFL's Man of the Year award, which is announced at NFL Honors during Super Bowl week.
The Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year Award is considered the league's most prestigious honor, recognizing players who not only play well on the field but also commit to making a positive impact beyond the game.
The 36-year-old Beachum found his way back into the starting lineup with the season-ending injury to Jonah Williams. He has started six games and is in line to start the final five provided he can manage the groin injury that has impacted his year.
But none of that has slowed Beachum from his community impact.
Among the number of community impacts Beachum has made over the years:
- Beachum is the only player ever to win the NFLPA Community MVP five different seasons;
- He was given the "In The Arena" award from the McCain Institute for his humanitarian work;
- Since joining the Cardinals in 2020, Beachum has helped serve more than 1.5 million meals in seven different food banks in the United States with a $360,000 donation, and volunteers monthly at Unied Food Bank;
- He has worked with former baseball star Curtis Granderson to compete in raising the most money to feed families in Arizona and Chicago, respectively;
- Beachum is a climate change activist, working hard in ocean conservation and in 2024 donated $30,000 and raised another $15,000 to build three wells in Africa to provide clean water for local people;
- He has donated computers and donated more than $55,000 for personal education scholarships in an effort to provide needy children opportunities.
"I think it starts from my childhood," Beachum said in 2021. "It starts from having great parents. They showed me how to give back. We didn't have a lot, but we did have excess and leftover – and we gave it back to the community.
"My faith is what starts it. That's foundational, honestly. Without it, I would not have the heart or mind to do any of this. It takes a mindset to go beyond and above your call for just showing up and being a ballplayer. I think all those things are essential."
More to come on azcardinals.com.
