Former Oregon star Kayvon Thibodeaux makes announcement on charitable organization

The New York Giants’ top pick in the 2022 NFL Draft, Kayvon Thibodeaux, is already doing big things in the Big Apple. The former Oregon Duck’s defensive lineman recently made an announcement on his charitable organization’s most recent venture. According to ESPN’s Adam Schefter, Thibodeaux’s charity will be providing educational opportunities to underprivileged children.

“Giants first-round pick Kayvon Thibodeaux announced today that his @TheJreamFound will be providing opportunities for underprivileged children to attend Core Prep Academy Football, a program that partners with private middle schools to provide a student athlete focused curriculum,” wrote Schefter via Twitter.

The Giants selected Thibodeaux, Oregon’s former All-American edge rusher and the top recruit in program history, with the fifth overall pick in the first round of the 2022 NFL Draft. Thibodeaux became the sixth-highest drafted player in the Ducks football program history joining the likes of Akili Smith, Joey Harrington, and Marcus Mariota.

In three seasons with the Ducks, Thibodeaux racked up countless awards and honors. He was a unanimous All-American in 2021 despite missing several games with an ankle injury and was a two-time all-conference first-team selection.

Thibodeaux donates $50,000 to charity in exchange for Graham Gano’s jersey number

New York Giants rookie Kayvon Thibodeaux will get to keep his college jersey number in the NFL, but it cost him a big chunk of change. In order to wear No. 5 in 2022, the former Oregon defensive end agreed to pay $50,000 to kicker Graham Gano, who wore the number this past season.

The pair then agreed that the money would go to a charity of Gano’s choice. The kicker chose to donate to Puppies Behind Bars, which provides service dogs for wounded war veterans and first responders, in addition to explosive-detection canines for law enforcement.

Although jersey number clearly meant a lot more to Kayvon Thibodeaux, Gano is still a bit sad about having to part with it. The 13-year NFL veteran wore No. 9 for seven years with the Carolina Panthers, but switched to No. 5 in the 2021 season as a tribute to his five children. However, given the fact that he got to help a good cause with the money, he believes he did the right thing.