New York Jets’ George Fant is a hometown hero in Kentucky
Last week, the center of the United States was devastated by a tornado outbreak that killed more than 90 people. The tragedy hit close to home for one New York Jet.
Offensive tackle George Fant was heartbroken to find out that the city he once called home was torn to pieces by multiple tornadoes. Fant’s hometown of Bowling Green, Ky., where seven were killed, was one of the hardest-hit cities. Within the limits of Bowling Green is Western Kentucky University, where Fant played basketball and football.
Through his non-profit, the “Fant Foundation”, Fant is doing all he can to collect donations that he plans on giving back to the community of Bowling Green.
Backup quarterback Mike White, another Western Kentucky alum, was also hit hard by the tragedy. “Bowling Green, KY holds a special place in a lot of people’s hearts, mine included,” said White in a tweet sent out to help Fant raise money.
Bowling Green, KY holds a special place in a lot of peoples hearts, mine included. There’s a lot of great people who have suffered devastating losses that need our help! @GeorgeFant74 has helped set up multiple platforms to help donate toward restoring BG. Anything helps! Links👇 pic.twitter.com/DfYZa3lKgg
— Mike White (@MikeWhiteQB) December 17, 2021
Fant is accepting donations through Venmo (@FantFoundation), PayPal (@Dreambigcamp), Cash App ($FantFoundation), and Zelle (dreambigbg@fantfoundation.com) for funeral expenses, housing down payments, gift cards, clothing, supplies, and toiletries.
According to Fant in an interview with the Associated Press, his foundation raised $20,000 in just two days through posts on Instagram and Twitter, as well as donations from several Jets teammates.
Please share!! https://t.co/LThra8Sp1d
— Fant Foundation (@Fant_Foundation) December 15, 2021
From 2011-15, Fant starred in multiple sports for the Hilltoppers. During his first four years at WKU, Fant played basketball. The 6-foot-6 forward played a key role in two March Madness appearances in his freshman and sophomore seasons.
Officially out of basketball eligibility, Fant decided to take his first shot at football in 2015.
Six years later, Fant has made it as a professional football player and is doing all he can to give back to the community that helped him get to where he is today.
Not only did Fant attend Western Kentucky Univerity, but he was also born and raised in Bowling Green. Until he was signed as an undrafted free agent by the Seattle Seahawks at 23 years old, Fant had lived his entire life in Kentucky.
Now a resident of the New York metropolitan area, Fant has not lost connection to the city that raised him. He’s no stranger to helping out his community.
Earlier this year, he hosted his second annual George Fant “Dream Big” Camp, which was held at Warren Central High School in Bowling Green, and just last month, he and his foundation gave away over 100 Thanksgiving meals.
The Jets’ left tackle is dealing with an injured knee that could sideline him on Sunday against the Miami Dolphins, but he won’t let that get in the way of continuing to take care of his hometown.
