Dalvin Cook, Danielle Hunter donating ‘Madden’ royalties to Minn. hospital
Professional athletes have been admirably using their status, wealth and influence to help support first responders and those hit worst by the coronavirus pandemic. Add Minnesota Vikings running back Dalvin Cook and defensive end Danielle Hunter to that ever-expanding roster of athletes who are serving an integral role amid the outbreak.
Cook announced on Twitter Wednesday that he is donating his royalty earnings from Electronic Arts’ “Madden” video game series to North Memorial Hospital in Robbinsdale, Minn. The funds will be used to secure much-needed personal protective equipment (PPE), which of course are in severely short supply across the country.
I want to say THANK YOU to those who continue to put their lives on the line each day & fight COVID-19. To MN's @northmemorial hospital, I’m donating my @EAMadden check from the @nflpa to be used for vital PPE gear. Let's make a difference togetherhttps://t.co/aRoiaeJPwH
— Dalvin Cook (@dalvincook) April 1, 2020
Shortly after Cook’s announcement, Hunter followed suit, announcing he would do the same and donate his “Madden” royalties to the same hospital.
Following your lead @dalvincook. Count me in for my @EAMaddenNFL @NFLPA check to @northmemorial. https://t.co/3Ts8buQNtv
— D Hunt™ (@DHunt94_TX) April 1, 2020
North Memorial Hospital expressed gratitude to Cook in a subsequent tweet, although it’s safe to assume the health care facility is grateful to Hunter for his gesture as well.
@dalvincook you are a true leader. On behalf of the entire North Memorial Health family, THANK YOU for helping to make a difference as we fight COVID-19 together. https://t.co/1uZRDm9sYU
— North Memorial (@northmemorial) April 1, 2020
The Vikings also got on board, tweeting out a link to a fundraising page where fans can make donations to raise funds for PPE.
With the increased global shortage of Personal Protective Equipment, @northmemorial is now gratefully accepting donations. Your contributions help define what it means to be a health family.
— Vikings Promos (@VikingsPromos) March 23, 2020
More details are available at https://t.co/ylFA6f0XgL pic.twitter.com/5E7rUF3hEv
A donation in any amount obviously is welcomed by first responders and health care facilities during these uncertain and critical times. It turns out the royalties NFL players receive from being featured in “Madden” are surprisingly sizable.
According to Darren Wolfson of 5 Eyewitness News, Cook’s “Madden” royalty check amounts to approximately $17,000.
Cook’s generosity showcases how one player’s actions can not only inspire his or her teammates and organization, it also can serve as a gateway for fans and the general public to make a difference as well during the COVID-19 pandemic.
