Community Player of the Week: Rocky McIntosh

The St. Louis Rams Community Player of the Week presented by Ameren Missouri is linebacker Rocky McIntosh. Ameren Missouri also recognizes Kim K. as the Powering Change Customer of the Week.

After spending his first six NFL seasons with the Washington Redskins, McIntosh signed with the Rams during the offseason. At nearly 30 years old, he stepped into the role of “savvy veteran” on a Rams team that is one of the youngest in the league. As a result, McIntosh was charged with the task of helping the young “Simbas” to grow and develop into full-on lions over the course of the season.

But McIntosh was not brought in to be a babysitter. Through the team’s first five games, he has mixed it up with the youngin’s, contributing 17 tackles and an interception on defense, and adding three more tackles on special teams. All this while holding down a starting role.

McIntosh displays the same leadership qualities in the community as he does on the field. Since arriving in St. Louis, McIntosh has made an effort to involve himself in a variety of team and personal community projects. Earlier in the season, he took part in the Make-A-Wish Celebrity Server Dinner. During the evening, McIntosh and many of his Rams teammates helped raise over $225,000 for kids with serious or terminal illnesses. With help from McIntosh and the Rams, Make-A-Wish was able to raise enough money to grant the wishes of nearly 45 Wish Kids.

In addition, McIntosh joined three other Rams teammates in Fairmont City late in September to help celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month. McIntosh and the rest of his Rams entourage arrived at the Fairmont City Library Center under cloudy and rainy conditions, but their presence brightened the day for the kids in attendance.

After leading a quick stretching session, McIntosh put his dancing shoes to good use during Latin Dance lessons given by a local troupe. Afterward, it was McIntosh’s turn to teach the kids a thing or two. He led one of the three fitness stations, throwing touchdown passes to kids after they jumped over mini hurdles and tackled a practice dummy. At the conclusion of the program, McIntosh signed autographs for the kids and posed for photos as well.

His connection to honoring Hispanic culture is nothing new. McIntosh takes part in the Rams player ticket donation program, and purchases 20 tickets to each Rams home game. The tickets are given to groups and organizations that benefit Hispanic youth. And to top it off, McIntosh is fluent in Spanish.

Outside of team programs, McIntosh has his own community efforts. In December of 2011, he, along with his wife and two kids, founded A GRAN Foundation. The organization seeks to “provide youth with the skills to embrace learning, lead healthy lives and mentor others in the community.”

Recently, A GRAN Foundation began its first program known as “Rocky’s Road.” The program pairs 26 kindergartners at Yorkshire Elementary School in Virginia with fifth grade mentors to set various goals related to mental and physical health. The students then log their activities in a computer database, and track their progress. Rocky’s Road is a comprehensive program that supports the students from kindergarten through fifth grade with the goal of proving that with the right tools, any student can accomplish his or her goals.

“The Rams are extremely lucky to have added Rocky to the roster this off-season,” said Molly Higgins, Rams vice president, corporate communications and civic affairs.  “We knew he was going to be a great contributor on the field and he has proven that he is equally as valuable to the St. Louis community. Rocky has jumped head first into being a true community player, he is constantly looking for more ways he be involved and generously offers his off-time to serve as a positive role model to area youth.”

About the Rams Community Player of the Week presented by Ameren Missouri
Each week during the 2012 season, the St. Louis Rams, along with team sponsor Ameren Missouri, will select a player who has made a positive impact on the Greater St. Louis community, giving of himself off the field. Each honored Rams Community Player of the Week will receive a gift certificate to Ruth’s Chris Steak House, the Official Steak House of the St. Louis Rams.

Tell us how you power positive change in the community for the chance to win Rams tickets and official merchandise, by going to www.Facebook.com/AmerenMissouri.


(stlouisrams.com)