Bradley Bozeman
GUARD/CENTER
BALTIMORE RAVENS
Demonstrates Excellence on The Field
On the field, Bradley Bozeman is emerging as one of the top Offensive Lineman in the NFL. He played every one of the Ravens' 1,107 snaps on offense in 2019. Bozeman and the rest of the Offensive Line helped the Ravens set an NFL record for single-season rushing yards (3,296) and produce the NFL's No. 1 scoring offense (33.2 points per game). Baltimore also became the first team in league history to average at least 200-plus yards rushing and passing per game in 2019.
Demonstrates Dedication and Commitment to Community Efforts this Year
While the unforeseen COVID-19 crisis caused their original philanthropic efforts to change, Bradley Bozeman and his wife Nikki, didn't let the pandemic stop them from providing incredible support to the Baltimore community when residents needed it the most. The main focus of their foundation, The Bradley and Nikki Boseman Foundation, seeks to make a difference in the lives of at-risk children and families by focusing on the dangers of childhood bullying.
At the beginning of 2020, the Bozemans devised a special mission to stop anti-bullying. On February 10th, the couple embarked on a cross-country RV trip – from Maryland to California – with the intent to travel for six weeks, drive over 5,000 miles, address more than 12,000 kids in 18 schools with stops in 16 states along the way. While they did indeed speak to several thousands of students on their trip, it unfortunately had to be suddenly cut short due to the COVID-19 pandemic and schools being shut down.
After it became obvious that the Bozemans weren't going to be allowed to visit schools any more this year, they turned their efforts to combat one of the biggest needs currently in our area – food insecurity. COVID-19 has had a devasting impact on Marylanders, driving food insecurity numbers to unprecedented levels. Additionally, approximately 80% of Baltimore City School Students qualify for free and reduced meals, and with no school in session, the Bozemans knew the students would not be able to get the meals they so desperately need.
Beginning in September, the Bozemans started a meal distribution at Mount Pleasant Ministries in Baltimore. Every other week their efforts distribute 21,000 meals to over 300 families. They also ensure that each family leaves the distribution with a hot, already prepared meal that the family can eat that very night. Additionally, they created a special Halloween distribution that allowed children to dress up in costumes and safely "trick-or-treat."
For Thanksgiving, they plan to host a drive-thru food distribution of turkeys and traditional sides in the parking lot of M&T Bank Stadium to feed over 500 families.
While they haven't physically been able to go and be present at their on-going food distributions, they partnered with the Ravens to use robots that allowed them to virtually be at the event – thanking volunteers and spreading love to the families picking up their food. Because of the incredible demand they've seen for these meals, the Bozemans plan to continue serving families in Maryland for the entire season.
Demonstrates Dedication and Commitment to Community Efforts in Years Past
Bradley Bozeman, the Ravens starting left guard, whose proposal to Nikki a few years ago after winning the national title with Alabama went viral, has been championing bullied and at-risk children since his college days. Since then, the couple has devoted themselves to The Bradley And Nikki Bozeman Foundation, founded in 2018, which helps promote charitable, philanthropic and grassroots community activities. The foundation helps lend support to parents, school staff and adults in the community to help prevent bullying behavior and create a safe school and community environment for children.
Both Bozemans were victims of bullying as children. Bradley was teased mercilessly for being "short and fat," while Nikki was usually the tallest in her class, often hovering above the boys. They experienced the cruelty first-hand, and it was their mission even before they were married to try to make as many schools as possible more loving, tolerant and empathetic.
The response they received from so many children, teachers and parents in the past made their decision to go on a cross-country tour imperative to their charitable work. The goal of this trip was the opportunity to broaden their support network to families outside of Maryland and Alabama, where they have done the bulk of their work in the past, to now the entire country.
Demonstrates Consistency in Positive Character and Models a Lifestyle of Giving Back
In addition to his continuous foundation work, Bradley Bozeman has supported the Ravens on several community initiatives - including the NFL's Huddle for 100 initiative, Thanksgiving food distributions, Christmas holiday giving and more. Bradley is almost always one of the first guys to step up to volunteer to help. He also has the respect of several of his teammates – many of whom continuously participated in his personal foundation events in the past. Additionally, Bradley has the honor of being teammates this season with last year's Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year winner, Calais Campbell. Bozeman has begun following Calais' lead and the two of them are joining forces in their Thanksgiving holiday food distribution by challenging fans to join them in helping. It is for these reasons and many more that the Baltimore Ravens are proud to name Bradley Bozeman their 2020 Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year.
