Jonathan Ledbetter
ARIZONA CARDINALS
| Position | College | Years in the NFL |
|---|---|---|
| Defensive Line | University of Georgia | 5 |
Demonstrates Excellence on the Field
Jonathan Ledbetter is no stranger to adversity on the field. In 2019, he was a rookie starter with the Miami Dolphins until his promising year came to a startling halt after an ankle injury. On his way back in 2020, he unfortunately tore his ACL before the year even started, ending that season as well. In 2021, the Arizona Cardinals signed him to the practice squad, where he worked hard to return to the 53-man roster.
Finally healthy in 2022, he played 14 games, starting in three of them, and established himself as a key player on the Arizona defense. This season, Ledbetter missed two games due to a finger injury, but started all seven games he's played in through 9 games this season. He recorded at least four tackles in six of these games, including a career-high 1.5 sacks, and his 29 tackles overall thus far in the season mark a career high.
Demonstrates Dedication and Commitment to Community Efforts this Year
Ledbetter has been committed to helping his community all year long. Well before OTAs and training camp, he participated in multiple events around the Super Bowl in the Greater Phoenix area. Through the NFL and NFLPA, he attended a Make-A-Wish event and participated in the inaugural NFLPA Community Day at Dunbar Elementary. That same week, he also spoke at the Black Men's Brain Health Conference about the pain and pleasure of pro football. In March, Ledbetter visited his high school alma mater in Georgia, Tucker High School, to talk about mental health for World Teen Mental Wellness Day. There, he discussed his struggles with depression and shared about his journey on and off the field.
Over the summer, Ledbetter and his Led a Better Way Foundation hosted their second annual youth football camp at Tucker High School. The event was free, since Ledbetter emphasized the importance of creating an
opportunity for kids to showcase skills at a free camp, a privilege he didn't have as a young boy. Ledbetter hopes to expand his youth camps to the Greater Phoenix Area in the immediate future.
During the season, he's represented the Cardinals at multiple schools, including Arthur M. Hamilton Elementary School (making a $10,000 donation in collaboration with Albertson's) and Corona del Sol High School in Tempe, Arizona (donating a new weight room in collaboration with State Farm).
In addition, he partnered with United Healthcare to donate $27,000 and learning equipment to a new outdoor learning space at Thew Elementary School in Tempe. There, he spent a day with the students, speaking to them, doing science experiments, and enjoying snacks he provided.
Finally, he also stopped by the number one eighth grade football team, Top Floor Football, in Arizona to give words of encouragement and note the importance of being a student-athlete. At the time, the team was ranked fifth in the country for their age group.
Demonstrates Dedication and Commitment to Community Efforts in Years Past
When Ledbetter established his foundation in 2022, his goal was to help shape and empower the next generation of Georgia's youth. From his experience growing up as the son of a single mother, Ledbetter understands the importance of creating opportunities for community mentorship. He and his mother always say "it takes a village" to raise a family as a single mother, a saying he applies to his foundation's vision.
At first, Ledbetter stayed local for his events. He spent time visiting schools like Providence Christian Academy in Lilburn, GA, where he spoke to students about his story and the importance of academics. In June 2022, he held his first camp at Tucker High School with his friend and fellow NFL player and Tucker alumnus Elijah Sullivan. There, they were able to combine efforts to give back to the school that gave them so much as teenagers. Then, later last year, he sponsored two families in Tucker, Georgia for the holidays, providing gifts and meals to those in need.
After gaining experience putting on community events and becoming a mainstay on the Cardinals' defense, he was able to expand his footprint to Arizona. In October 2022, he invited Sgt. Alex Aguirre and his family from Fort Luke Airforce Base to a Cardinals game as part of his Docs Dental Initiative, which provides dental, eye, and health benefits to struggling military families.
Demonstrates Consistency in Positive Character and Models a Lifestyle of Giving Back
Ledbetter stays positive every day on and off the field. Being an NFL player is a job to him and leading the next generation is his obligation. When he's not working hard in practice or preparing for games, he thinks of new ways to give back through his foundation. He consistently uses his platform to impact those around him and find different ways to support youth mentorship. Whether a child wants to be an investment banker, a nurse, or an athlete, he wants to be able to support their dream in any way possible.
Oftentimes, athletes and celebrities participate in philanthropy behind the scenes, but Ledbetter makes sure to show up in-person as well. Understanding how he would've felt as a kid if an NFL player came to his school, he not only contributes financially, but also shows up to events and lets his presence be felt.
This is just the beginning of Ledbetter's vision for Led a Better Way. Going forward, he wants to establish his camp in the Greater Phoenix community, participate in more speaking engagements, and provide more free events around the country. Most importantly, he wants to continue to be a mentor for anybody who may need one.
Through his community work independently and with the Cardinals, Ledbetter always represents the Arizona Cardinals with pride, responsibility, and compassion. He has dedicated his time off the field to improving the communities that gave so much to him. His commitment to the Greater Atlanta and Greater Phoenix communities is felt every day.
