tight end Michael Hoomanawanui began volunteering with the Special Olympics when he was a child in Illinois.
Growing up in Bloomington, Ill., Hoomanawanui lived near Illinois State University, the host of the state's Special Olympic events, and because his dad had been involved with the games, Hoomanawanui and his sister started volunteering, too.
During his entire career in the NFL, Hoomanawanui has maintained a close relationship with the Special Olympics in the state he's lived. When he was with the St. Louis Rams, he'd donate tickets and introduce some of the athletes to his football teammates.
Now that he's with the Saints, he's helping Special Olympics Louisiana, and during their summer games last month, Hoomanawanui served as an honorary coach and official starter for the opening ceremonies at Southeastern Louisiana.