Some call Stephen the most interesting player in the NFL, meaning his talents extend way beyond football. Though he is passionate about hobbies from glass blowing to musical talents, he is most fervent in ways he impacts the community.

As a player for the Minnesota Vikings, Stephen focused on ways he could be involved through North Minneapolis KIPP Public Charter School’s reading program for kids during the 2019-2020 school year. He also raised awareness for One Love, a foundation ensuring an understanding of healthy versus unhealthy relationships, through the NFL’s “My Cause, My Cleats” campaign. In addition, Stephen also advocated for mental health awareness, having participated in discussions in partnership with the University of Minnesota. 

The move to Charlotte came with exciting opportunities with the Carolina Panthers and a chance to establish a positive presence in a new city. Stephen is a multifaceted person and an advocate for helping those in many ways around him; he then used these passions in creating The Stephen Weatherly Foundation. The launch of The Stephen Weatherly Foundation came with three focuses: a youth football camp, reading program and youth scholarship.

Stephen is dedicated to encouraging literacy through book donations and in-person reading projects in his reading program. He also wants to expand his giving outside of the classroom supporting both boys and girls in an annual youth football camp. This camp will teach kids skills that can be used on and off the field. Stephen has a heart for the underprivileged and has created a scholarship to be awarded annually to a youth football team in the Charlotte, North Carolina area. The Foundation sponsors new gear for their season that they may not have been able to afford otherwise. The combination of three facets were designed to leave a lasting mark in the community for generations to come.

Stephen has always been willing to give his all in everything he does. The launch of the Stephen Weatherly Foundation creates even more opportunities for the most interesting player to ignite interest in children locally.