When the game is over and the stadium lights are turned off, Chris Draft, NFL linebacker, suits up to play the positions of community activist and founder of the Chris Draft Family Foundation (CDFF). Chris’ mission in life is focused on striving to make a positive difference in the lives of youth and in the community as he leads by example both on and off the field.

In 2006, Chris established his Atlanta-based foundation with the vision of empowering families to live healthy lifestyles. The Chris Draft Family Foundation’s seven initiatives are Asthma Team™, Character Team™, Draft Picks™, Get Checked and Get Fit™, Literacy Leaders™, Community Improvement, and Military Appreciation.  Through the foundation’s seven pillars, thousands of youth, adults, parents and families are impacted annually.

Chris defines his life’s work as both a privilege and a responsibility that has enabled him to serve as a leading role model nationwide. His unwavering passion and dedication for making a difference began with strong values and ethics he and his brother learned from their parents Rose and Tony Draft. Those characteristics have been instrumental on his road to success at Stanford University where he earned a Bachelor of Science in Economics while becoming a four-year letter winner on the Cardinal football team and a two year member of the Cardinal baseball team.

Chris, who suffers from asthma, is the National Spokesman for the National Lieutenant Governor’s Association’s “Winning with Asthma” program and is involved in national campaigns with the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the American Lung Association and the NFL Players Association. He also serves as the National Ambassador for the Parent Teacher Association (PTA), an official champion of the Alliance for a Healthier Generation, and the regional spokesman of the Midwest Dairy Association.  Draft has also served on the Board of Advisors for the Atlanta NFL Youth Education Town (NFL/YET) Boys and Girls Club for three years and remains involved as an active member of the Friends of the NFL/YET.

The 13-year NFL veteran has received a number of awards and honors for his tireless work in the community, including his selection as Man of the Year by both the St. Louis Rams and the Carolina Panthers and two time finalist for the prestigious Byron “Whizzer” White Award, which recognizes outstanding community service. In addition to numerous accolades, “Do You Want to Play Catch?” marks Chris Draft’s 2010 debut as a published author.