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Steelton's Jordan Hill and Seattle Seahawks' teammate Garry Gilliam, a Milton Hershey grad, visit with patients at the Penn State Hershey Childrens' Hospital last summer.
(PennLive/Joe Hermitt)
During the biggest offseason in his NFL career, Jordan Hill is strengthening his commitment to making a difference off the field.
With the recent launch of the Jordan Hill Foundation, the Seattle Seahawks' defensive tackle and Steelton native is aimed at raising awareness for the prevention of diabetes and advancing research of kidney disease.
The former Penn State standout will kick off his fundraising with the inaugural JHF Golf Tournament on May 14 at Penn State's Blue Course.
"I thought about what I could do to help raise awareness and promote a healthy lifestyle since I've been in college," said Hill.
"From watching my father fight diabetes for a long time, and with the passing of my father-in-law recently, it's more of a necessity than ever."
Hill, a Steel-High grad, is entering his fourth season in Seattle, the final year of his rookie contract signed in 2013 when the Seahawks drafted him in the third round. A Super Bowl champion during his rookie year, Hill had 24 tackles last season.
Hill became a dominant force at Penn State and was a third-round draft pick of Seattle.
Hill admitted on Sunday that his mom, Sue Hill, fostered his need to give back, to take care of the people and communities that helped him reach the NFL.
"Going out there and playing football, I know only so many people get to do that, Hill said. "But the reasons I play are a lot bigger than me. It's a lot bigger than the game."
Seahawks' teammate and Milton Hershey grad Gary Gilliam will be in the field at the JHF Golf Tournament on May 14.
Other special guests include former Penn State stars Donovan Smith (Tampa Bay Bucs), Derek Moye, Kansas City Chiefs DE David King and former Purdue punter Cody Webster (CD East), among many others.
To learn more about the Jordan Hill Foundation, or register for the golf tournament, visit www.jordanhillfoundation.org. Cost is $125 per player and includes golf, cart, continental breakfast, lunch, prizes and awards. Full sponsorship opportunities also are available.