He traded in his helmet for a pair of reading glasses in 2008, and now Justin Tuck is one of the leaders in tackling illiteracy.
Tuck, who plays defensive end for the New York Giants, took a step away from the football field and on to the charity scene as he entertained dozens of celebrities and athletes at his annual billiards tournament in New York City Thursday night.
But it wasn’t all just fun and games.
The cause drew attention to Tuck’s R.U.S.H. for Literacy charity, which raises funds to donate books and reading materials to support underserved children in New York, New Jersey and Alabama communities.
“This is my fourth year coming, and it’s grown every year,” Vivic Fox said. “He cares about our kids, and we should make sure we do too.”
Since its inception in 2008, Tuck’s R.U.S.H. for Literacy has raised over $2 million, donated over 55,000 books, and has awarded over $200,000 in grants. The event Thursday night helped bring in over $450,000 for the cause.
Teammates Eli Manning, Terrell Thomas, David Wilson, and Kevin Boothe were on hand, as well as Toronto Raptors star Rudy Gay, NFL legend Ronnie Lott, and entertainer Anthony Anderson, who once again emceed the event.
“It’s a great, I’m here to support a teammate and a great cause,” Wilson said.
When the red carpet cleared, all the special guests piled into the pool hall and competed in the always popular billiards tournament, which Fox was ready to win.
“This year V. Fox is going to the final round,” she said.
Unfortunately for her, it was Terra Chips representatives Dominic and Pat Conte who took home the title of champion by the end of the night.
If you would like to contribute to a great cause, please visit http://www.justintuck.com/Charities.aspx.
Fans will also have the opportunity to bid on a Charitybuzz item through Tuck’s R.U.S.H. for Literacy. The Package runs through June 6, and includes tickets to five summer concerts including Beyoncé’s “The Mrs. Carter Show” tour.http://charitybuzz.s3.amazonaws.com/emails/rushforliteracy_blast_060313.html