Deatrich Wise Jr. reached out the New England Patriots' community relations department nearly immediately after being taken in the fourth round of the 2017 NFL Draft.
As Wise approaches his sixth NFL season, not much has changed, but he's finally getting the accolades he deserves.
"You don't go out in the neighborhood to feel good about yourself. You just do it because it is in your heart to do so "Wise spoke after receiving the award at the Patriots Foundation's annual fundraising event.
Wise has participated in over 40 different Patriots Foundation activities since his rookie season, with causes ranging from education, fitness, Christmas giving, juvenile character development, and visiting children and veterans in hospitals.
He's also taken control of planning and logistics, launching his Big Man Program, a skills and development camp for young football players, and his Wise Up Dynamics community effort through his platform.
Local vendors, food trucks, culinary demos, and a farmers market were on hand to highlight the significance of health and wellbeing.