While growing up, Rodney dreamed of playing professional football. His grandmother shared that dream and supported him in every way possible.

As a senior in high school, Rodney was devastated when his NaNa was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer and ultimately died of the disease. Unfortunately, she died before seeing her grandson play for the University of Virginia and make it to the NFL as an undrafted free agent playing for the St. Louis Rams.

Her ultimate goal was to see Rodney graduate high school, go off to college, and pursue his dream of making it to the NFL.

To honor his grandmother’s memory, Rodney turns his play-making on the filed into plays for cancer research by supporting the American Association for Cancer Research’s mission to prevent and cure cancer of all types.

In addition, Erika McLeod also has seen how cancer impacts families, as her mother is a cancer savior.

For every interception, forced fumble, sack or tackle for a loss this season, Rodney and Erika will donate $1,000 to the American Association for Cancer Research (AACR).

Our Rise Up for Research initiative supports the AACR – bringing additional awareness and resources that ultimately will lead to a cure.

You can join Rodney and Erika as they support the AACR for lifesaving cancer research by making a donation and using the hashtag #23RiseUp on social media.