Category: CNN Regional

By Braden Bates

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    KANSAS CITY, Missouri (KSHB) — Not many things are able to live more than two and a half centuries. However, a tree is being celebrated for its longevity and historic roots as the community prepares to say goodbye.

Community members came together Saturday, Dec. 6, to honor the tree’s legacy.

Frank the Liberty Tree has stood tall in Kansas City since way before our city or state even got their names. It even lived before our nation was founded.

The tree got its name, Frank, from a previous owner of the property where Frank stands.

For some, it may look like any old tree; every year it drops its leaves during the fall and regenerates back in the spring.

However, the burr oak tree is far from being any old tree. It earned a special recognition from the Missouri Department of Conservation in 1976, in celebration of the United States bicentennial. This recognition dedicated the oak as a Liberty Tree.

The Liberty Tree recognition was given to trees alive before 1776, the year the U.S. was founded, according to the Missouri Conservationist.

The tree has lived through many monumental events.

“This tree is pre-Revolutionary War. It’s pre-Louisiana Purchase. It is pre-Civil War, pre-World War I, World War II. All of these incredible things have happened in the world,” said KC Council Member Crispin Rea. “Although probably not much happened right here 250 years ago, other than a bird dropped a seed that turned into this magnificent tree.”

Frank the Liberty Tree will be cut down at the beginning of next year.

“Unfortunately, due to root fungus, we will have to take him down for safety reasons,” said organizer Crystal Beasley.

Beasley said while it’s sad to see a historic tree like this go, she can’t help but think about the centuries of memories it created.

“Thank you to 250 years of giving shade, legacy and protection for this community,” Beasley said.

Diana Wilson and her daughter attended the farewell celebration to see the tree and take in its stature.

“It’s brought me to tears. There’s just a majesty and a presence,” Diana Wilson said.

Angela French said the tree offers a glimpse into history, taking a photo to further preserve Frank’s legacy.

“To realize you’re just a grain of sand in time and, you know, just the small moment of getting to cherish and honor the life that it’s had, it’s just really phenomenal,” French said.

The gathering was marked with a champagne and sparkling cider toast, a celebration of life for Frank the Liberty Tree.

French said in a way, the tree acted sort of like a giving tree.

“You know, it’s just the Shel Silverstein story,” French said. “That legacy of the tree and the story and how many, what it gave to so many different people. It just kind of makes me think of that.”

The owner of the tree, Jessica Thomas, said she moved into the house in August and didn’t realize she’d inherited the historic gem. When she learned of its possible disease, she reached out to the Department of Conservation to see what to do.

With few options on ways to treat the fungus, the department said the tree would have to be cut down.

The company behind the tree’s removal has plans to save pieces. Those at the event were able to sign up to get a piece after the tree is removed.

The cost of removing Frank is on the owners. Beasley set up a GoFundMe to help with the cost of the removal.

This story was provided to CNN Wire by an affiliate and does not contain original CNN reporting.

Please note: This content carries a strict local market embargo. If you share the same market as the contributor of this article, you may not use it on any platform.

By Ryan Gamboa

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    KANSAS CITY, Missouri (KSHB) — When fans arrive at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium for a Kansas City Chiefs game, they’re focused on the excitement ahead.

But behind the scenes, a dedicated group of employees is working to make that experience memorable through an inclusive partnership that’s changing lives.

Madison Millentree greets fans with infectious energy at the T-Mobile Gate, dancing and offering high-fives, even sometimes hugs, to fans who pass by.

In the club level concourse, Dan Walker keeps busy maintaining the stadium’s cleanliness.

Up in the penthouse, Lola Kernell welcomes guests with a warm smile and helps them with their all-inclusive wristbands.

These three employees are part of a group of about 16 people with Down syndrome working at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium through Down Syndrome Innovations (DSI).

The nonprofit organization helps people with Down syndrome from birth through their aging years. It’s a relatively young partnership between the Chiefs and DSI.

“I hand out these wristbands that I put on their wrists,” Kernell said about her duties. “I greet fans as they come in. It’s amazing. I love it up here. I love the excitement and the energy that people bring. I love that how my team is so supportive of me. I am also grateful for the Hunt family for supporting these types of communities.”

The trio has been working at Arrowhead for three years, building their resumes and growing their independence.

The program aims to help participants find the perfect job match for their skills and interests while making dreams come true.

“This has been a dream for a lot of our individuals just to work in the community and work for the Chiefs. So they’re making a lot of dreams come true,” said Amanda Meyers, director of employment services at DSI. “This just really helps them gain more independence in their life. We just see so much growth that they have more confidence, and they are talking about their job all the time, so proud to be working here. The families even see it at home.”

For Millentree, the job has been transformative on a personal level.

“It makes me feel more grown-up, more independent, too, work with our disabilities,” Millentree said. “I have a big heart, and I love all these people, all these fans. I think it’s my happy place.”

The employees bring a fresh outlook to the organization through their positive attitude and dedication. Kernell takes pride in her role as a self-advocate and helper.

“You’re supposed to be a self-advocate,” Kernell said. “Some people with disabilities don’t feel comfortable in some areas, but I feel comfortable. That’s just me. I’m out there smiling at people, making sure their needs are met. I am just a very helpful and humble person.”

From an employer’s perspective, the Chiefs have found the program to be both manageable and rewarding.

“While it can be scary to start anything new in any industry, this was something that was really doable for us to develop. You can create your own plan to incorporate this into your business,” said Caitlin Petite, director of event services for the Kansas City Chiefs. “I would encourage any employer to explore this as an opportunity. I think it shows management how much we can do, with the support of everyone around us.”

The success of the program has pushed the Chiefs to hire more people and expand departments, creating a blueprint that other sports teams could follow.

Kernell and Millentree both encourage others to pursue their passions and embrace their authentic selves.

“Just go out there,” Kernell said. “If there’s a job out there that you’re passionate about, go for it. But if there’s not a job out there, you can create one yourself.”

Millentree said the key is to “be who you are.”

“Also, be more independent and be strong and care,” she said. “You can do this. We love everything about you … spread the love.”

Dan Walker was a man of few words.

He was all work and focused on the task at hand.

“I say just keep it clean,” Walker said about his approach to the job.

Everyone’s dream job looks different, and for these employees, working at Arrowhead Stadium represents the perfect fit.

When asked about her future goals, Kernell shared her biggest aspiration.

“I just love being here. Maybe one day I can work a Super Bowl,” Kernell said.

This story was reported on-air by a journalist and has been converted to this platform with the assistance of AI. KSHB’s editorial team verifies all reporting on all platforms for fairness and accuracy.

This story was provided to CNN Wire by an affiliate and does not contain original CNN reporting.

Please note: This content carries a strict local market embargo. If you share the same market as the contributor of this article, you may not use it on any platform.

By Adam Schumes

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    NEW CASTLE, Indiana (WRTV) — A 100-year-old Indiana University football fan who has held season tickets for 70 years will finally see her beloved Hoosiers play for a Big Ten Championship.

Dr. Phyllis Grant, one of the first women to graduate from the IU School of Medicine, has weathered decades of losing seasons from her home near Lincoln Avenue and South Main Street in New Castle.

Now, under coach Curt Cignetti, she’s witnessing the team’s historic turnaround.

“It’s fantastic. I am so pleased after all these decades that we have not just one winning season, but two. It looks like we might go far, doesn’t it?” Grant said.

Grant first purchased season tickets in the 1950s to attend games with her three children. The team’s poor performance never stopped her from missing a season.

“We were terrible. I had a lot of fun just going and whatever. I just never did NOT renew them,” Grant said. “IU had terrible teams, and we never won. For five dollars, I could get season tickets for three kids plus myself, so I got them,” she said.

The retired doctor delivered nearly 2,000 babies in Middletown and New Castle during her 50-year career. She entered IU’s medical program straight from high school in February 1943 during World War II.

Grant continues to attend most games despite the challenges of traveling at her age. When asked about her prediction for IU’s championship run, she remained optimistic.

“Well, of course, we are going to win it all. Not just the Big Ten, but the whole thing,” Grant said with a laugh.

The longtime sports fan has also attended more than 70 Indianapolis 500 races and remains a Bobby Knight supporter.

This story was provided to CNN Wire by an affiliate and does not contain original CNN reporting.

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By Rachael Wilkerson

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    INDIANAPOLIS (WRTV) — An Indiana woman convicted of murder two decades ago and who once escaped from prison, is now trying to be released and restart her life.

On Friday, a Marion County judge heard a petition to modify Sarah Pender’s 110-year consecutive sentence.

Sarah Pender asked the judge for mercy. She said she deserved to be punished for her role in the 2000 murders of her roommates, but said after 25 years in prison and five years in solitary confinement, she feels she’s paid the price.

“I am asking for a chance to be free and not die in prison,” said Pender.

In 2002, Sarah Pender was convicted of the murders of Andrew Cataldi and Tricia Nordman. Investigators said the victims were shot and their bodies were tossed in a dumpster.

Police used tattoos and neighbors to identify the victims. FBI fingerprints showed they were both fugitives.

The prosecution said Pender was the mastermind, although her ex-boyfriend Richard Hull claims he pulled the trigger and acted alone.

“I bought the gun. I didn’t run away and report the crime, and I helped Rick afterwards. I deserved to go to jail. However, shocked and devastated does not come close to how I felt when I was found guilty of Drew and Trish’s murders,” said Pender.

Pender was sentenced to 45 years for each death.

“I thought the judge would give me 45 years. 110 years was unfathomable,” she said.

In 2008, she escaped from the Rockville Correctional Facility in Indiana.

Police said she developed an intimate relationship with a correctional officer who helped her get away.

Four months later, she was captured in Chicago.

“I felt justice walking down the streets of Chicago,” she said. “I paid a horrible price for it. I spent five years in solitary confinement. I paid for it 10 times over.”

Former Marion County Prosecutor Larry Sells called Pender the female Charles Manson for her manipulation. Now, he believes she played a more limited role and wants Pender to be free. He calls her sentence a major injustice.

“I’ve never seen the former prosecutor, the person who put that person to prison, who advocated for the highest possible sentence, actually come out saying I was wrong, saying this person should be granted relief. It is virtually unprecedented,” said Mark Howard, professor at Georgetown University and co-counsel for Pender.

The 46-year-old was 21 at the time of the murders. Her attorney said age was a mitigating factor for the crime and for her possible release.

“She’s a completely different person,” he said.

If a modified sentence is granted, her mother Bonnie and father Roland said they have a plan and the finances to help their daughter move to Arizona.

“I dream that she’ll be able to just have a chance at life and freedom,” said Bonnie Prosser. “We have a 3-bedroom home, and it’s got a screened-in back porch, fenced-in yard, crazy cats, and two loving old women. You can’t ask for more than that.”

Relatives of both victims opposed the sentence modification.

Pender said she doesn’t expect forgiveness and apologized.

“I am so sorry for the terrible loss that you suffered and for the role I played in it,” she said.

Pender’s family called Friday the most positive day in 25 years.

“So much love and support,” said Prosser.

The judge did not make a decision on Friday. He is holding the petition under advisement. He has thirty days to make a decision.

Pender’s father is hopeful a decision will be made by Christmas.

“I feel quite uplifted by it. Yet, there’s the uncertainty of what comes next,” said Pender. “Hopefully we’ll have a ruling that Sarah can be released, maybe by Christmas. That’s a big hope. But, why not? If you don’t have those hopes and wishes, then they tend to not come true.”

This story was provided to CNN Wire by an affiliate and does not contain original CNN reporting.

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By Robb Coles

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    LEBANON, Tennessee (WTVF) — The holiday season brings joy to many families, but for parents who have lost a child, it can be one of the most difficult times of the year.

One Middle Tennessee mother is helping her family and other grieving parents navigate this painful period by creating a special tradition that honors their children’s memories.

Stacy Rhone of Lebanon knows firsthand the heartbreak of losing a child.

Eight years ago, her 16-year-old son, Ja-Vontay Neal, who went by Tay, died after an acute asthma attack in July 2017.

“I had to take him to the hospital. On the way to the hospital, he passed out, I had to give him CPR,” Rhone said. “He was there for four days, and they declared him brain dead.”

Since then, holidays have been particularly challenging for Rhone, especially that first Christmas without Tay.

“The worst, they’re worst, especially the first year,” Rhone said.

To cope with her grief and honor her son’s memory, Rhone started placing Tay’s picture at the top of her Christmas tree.

Tay was described by his mother as a shy kid who loved school and dreamed of becoming either an architect or a professional wrestler.

However, Rhone’s tree has grown into something much larger than a personal memorial.

Each year, she reaches out on Facebook to other parents who have lost children, asking them to share photos for what she calls her “angel tree.”

“I post about if anybody is interested in sharing their child for my angel tree, for his angel tree, just send me a picture,” Rhone said.

In return, she sends them a picture of Tay.

The exchange helps create a bit of a network of support among parents who understand the unique pain of losing a child.

Every year, more angels are added to the tree, representing children of all ages.

Rhone noted that grief doesn’t discriminate based on age.

“I think his mom said he was 52 when he passed. Like I said, it doesn’t matter the age. It still hurts the same,” Rhone said while holding a picture sent to her.

Rhone wants to ensure other grieving parents know they aren’t alone in their pain.

“Let other parents know that they weren’t alone. I also lost a child, and I didn’t want them to feel like I was, feeling alone. Even though I had my support, I still felt alone,” Rhone said.

For parents facing their first holiday season after losing a child, Rhone offers compassionate advice: do whatever you need to do to get through it.

“If you want to cry, cry, if you want to go out and scream, go out and scream. If you want to spend it with your family, spend it with your family,” Rhone said. “They have to do what makes them feel better. And there’s really no feeling better, but one step at a time.”

Rhone continues to accept photos for this year’s angel tree, providing a meaningful way for parents to include their children in holiday celebrations and connect with others who share their experience.

In addition to the angel tree, Rhone has started a nonprofit in honor of her late son to help people afford their asthma medications.

This story was reported on-air by Robb Coles and has been converted to this platform with the assistance of AI. Coles verifies all reporting on all platforms for fairness and accuracy.

This story was provided to CNN Wire by an affiliate and does not contain original CNN reporting.

Please note: This content carries a strict local market embargo. If you share the same market as the contributor of this article, you may not use it on any platform.

By A.J. Nwoko

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    RICHMOND, Virginia (WTVR) — Army veteran Frank Bland makes sure to remind himself of his weighty title on days like Dec. 7.

“I am a living miracle,” Bland said.

Not for anything he’s done, but for his father’s actions 84 years ago during the attack on Pearl Harbor.

“Had dad not escaped that inferno that was engulfing him and grabbed that rope, I wouldn’t be here,” Bland said.

Bland describes in detail how his father survived one of the deadliest attacks in U.S. history. His father was aboard the USS Tennessee when Japanese forces attacked Pearl Harbor on Dec. 7, 1941.

“He heard screaming,” Bland said. “Oil was in the water. Flames were skirting about on top of the water and anyone who jumped in immediately succumbed.”

His father’s survival came down to faith and a miraculous moment.

7, 1941 attack Army veteran Frank Bland Photo by: WTVR Son of Pearl Harbor survivor ensures father’s story lives on 84 years later Army veteran Frank Bland By: A.J. Nwoko Posted 7:09 PM, Dec 07, 2025 and last updated 9:14 PM, Dec 07, 2025 RICHMOND, Va. — Army veteran Frank Bland makes sure to remind himself of his weighty title on days like Dec. 7.

“I am a living miracle,” Bland said.

Not for anything he’s done, but for his father’s actions 84 years ago during the attack on Pearl Harbor.

“Had dad not escaped that inferno that was engulfing him and grabbed that rope, I wouldn’t be here,” Bland said.

Bland describes in detail how his father survived one of the deadliest attacks in U.S. history. His father was aboard the USS Tennessee when Japanese forces attacked Pearl Harbor on Dec. 7, 1941.

“He heard screaming,” Bland said. “Oil was in the water. Flames were skirting about on top of the water and anyone who jumped in immediately succumbed.”

His father’s survival came down to faith and a miraculous moment.

“He literally called on God,” Bland said. “He told me years later, he testified in churches that it was the grace of God. He heard his voice, he sent angels, and the next thing you know, a rope came down on the USS Tennessee.”

The young sailor endured what many others could not.

“War is ugly, but this is what this 19-year-old and so many others had to endure while they were out there,” Bland said.

Many of those names were read aloud at the Virginia War Memorial on Sunday during its wreath-laying ceremony. The ceremony honored those who made the ultimate sacrifice, those who survived and shone a light on the civilians who carry their legacies.

Eight U.S. battleships were severely damaged during the attack, 188 U.S. aircraft were destroyed and 2,403 Americans were killed.

The memorial also highlighted acts of courage like those displayed by Navy Officer Donald Ross, who was aboard the USS Nevada.

Ross assumed responsibility on the battleship, which was badly damaged by bombs and torpedoes in the attack, and kept it powered until it was able to be beached. It was the only battleship to do so during the Japanese attack.

Ross was later awarded the Medal of Honor.

Clay Mountcastle, Virginia War Memorial Director, emphasized the importance of remembrance.

“Dec. 7th is not just another day,” Mountcastle said. “And it never can be and it never will be here at the Virginia War Memorial.

To ensure that day is never forgotten, veterans like Bland challenge others to listen for how they may be connected to this history.

“By me sharing this story with you, you become soul, body, spirit in realizing you are now in that family of a bond where we know we are of one here,” Bland said.

This story was initially reported by a journalist and has been converted to this platform with the assistance of AI. WTVR verifies all reporting on all platforms for fairness and accuracy.

This story was provided to CNN Wire by an affiliate and does not contain original CNN reporting.

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By A.J. Nwoko

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    GLEN ALLEN, Virginia (WTVR) — A Christmas tradition nearly three decades in the making continued despite an act of vandalism that forced organizers to completely reimagine their annual celebration.

The Glen Allen Cultural Arts Center has hosted its Illumination event for 27 years without incident. But plans for the 2025 edition literally fell through after an unknown vandal took a chainsaw to the event’s 40-foot centerpiece cedar tree.

“It’s a great lesson in learning from adversity,” Glen Allen Cultural Arts Center President K Alferio said. “And when something happens, you just figure out how to move on and make something better.”

Rather than cancel the beloved community tradition, Alferio and the center’s team decided to improvise. They reached out to the community for help, and the response exceeded all expectations.

“We were truly overwhelmed. We got so many lights and garland and decorations that we were able to fill up this whole big field,” Alferio said.

The result was thousands of Christmas lights lining the center’s brand-new outdoor event space, creating a spectacular display that drew cheers from attendees during the countdown.”We were truly overwhelmed. We got so many lights and garland and decorations that we were able to fill up this whole big field,” Alferio said.

The result was thousands of Christmas lights lining the center’s brand-new outdoor event space, creating a spectacular display that drew cheers from attendees during the countdown.

“I was really surprised at first, but I think it really worked out with the stage and having a bigger venue to run the event,” Wes Boggs, a student at Glen Allen High School, said.

While the original 40-foot tree was destroyed, organizers replaced it with a 10-foot spruce. The metal star that topped the original tree survived and was restored thanks to Henrico County’s efforts.

“They went out, they got the star; they fixed it, they rewired it so we were able to have the star with us tonight so it will always be a part of the event,” Alferio said.

The center maintained beloved traditions like its indoor tree gallery while embracing new elements, including a Lego replica of the original tree that will remain on permanent display.

The reimagined illumination has created an unexpected gift that community members are excited to see grow in future years.

“As someone who’s lived here for a while, I get to watch it grow because I plan to stay here,” Cam Mule, another Glen Allen High student, said. “That will be cool to watch.”

This story was initially reported by a journalist and has been converted to this platform with the assistance of AI. WTVR verifies all reporting on all platforms for fairness and accuracy.

This story was provided to CNN Wire by an affiliate and does not contain original CNN reporting.

Please note: This content carries a strict local market embargo. If you share the same market as the contributor of this article, you may not use it on any platform.

By Kelsey Jones

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    NEWPORT NEWS, Virginia (WTKR) — Scammers are targeting grieving families in Newport News, posing as funeral home staff to steal money during their most vulnerable moments.

Alinda Wheeler and her sister were planning their mother’s funeral when they received what seemed like a legitimate call Monday evening.

The caller claimed to be affiliated with C.C. Carter Funeral Home in Newport News and knew specific details about their pre-arranged services, the Wheelers say. The imposter demanded $600 through Cash App to continue with funeral arrangements.

Wheeler says she thought the account was legitimate and sent $580 before realizing she had been scammed.

Chris Carter, the owner of C.C. Carter Funeral Home, says scammers are using his name and posing as fake family members of his to target vulnerable families. He says the fake callers demand money and threaten families, telling them, “The state will take the body back if they don’t pay immediately.”

Carter discovered the scammer had stolen his photo from the funeral home’s website to make the Cash App account appear legitimate.

Newport News police say this type of scam is sadly common across Virginia and they are investigating this incident.

Carter says there were nine other victims the imposter allegedly tried to swindle money from. In some cases, the scammer told families they were on their way to the bank to get a check when the Cash App transaction didn’t go through.

Carter’s staff had to call potential victims to warn them it was a scam. The funeral home has now posted a warning message on their website alerting people about the ongoing scam.

They advise families not to send any funds through email or over the phone. Carter says, “It’s sick that scammers would exploit people during such a vulnerable time in their lives.”

He believes there’s a special place in hell for people who prey on grieving families.

Police encourage families to never provide payments over the phone when funeral services are involved. They recommend asking for written confirmation of any service or payment request and advise people to trust their instincts if something feels strange about a phone call.

Wheeler says her experience has taught her family an important lesson about protecting themselves. She says they will never conduct any financial transactions over the phone again.

The scam highlights how criminals target people during their most emotional and vulnerable moments. Funeral directors across the region are now warning families to be extra cautious about unexpected payment requests.

This story was provided to CNN Wire by an affiliate and does not contain original CNN reporting.

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By Ange Toussaint

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    WEST PALM BEACH, Florida (WPTV) — A U.S. veteran is walking 98 miles from West Palm Beach to Miami over nine days to remember the 98 victims of the Champlain Towers South collapse that occurred four years ago.

Tim Roberto, who works at Beachway Therapy Center and founded the Stomping Out the Stigma Foundation, began his journey on Thursday with friends joining him along the way. The walk serves as both a memorial to those who died and a tribute to the first responders who worked at the collapse site.

“It’s kind of hot but it feels really good because of the cause,” Roberto said during a stop at a West Palm Beach fire station. “Every minute counts when you’re going down to Surfside Miami.”

Roberto said he has spoken with many first responders through his foundation’s therapeutic work and understands the mental trauma they experienced during the Surfside response.

“A lot of the first responders that I talked to in Stomping Out the Stigma help therapeutically. I was very aware of what they all went through,” Roberto said.

The Champlain Towers South condominium building in Surfside collapsed in June 2021, killing 98 people. The tragedy highlighted ongoing concerns about building safety and the mental health impact on emergency personnel who responded to the scene.

Retired Battalion Chief for Palm Beach Fire Rescue Sam Eaton said mental health support for first responders is often overlooked.

“When it comes to first responders, firefighters, law enforcement, military, it’s to bring awareness of the impact of the mental trauma that those organizations and those populations are affected by,” Eaton said.

Roberto plans to continue his walk over the next few days as he completes his nine-day journey to raise awareness about first responder mental health, while honoring the victims of the Surfside collapse.

This story was provided to CNN Wire by an affiliate and does not contain original CNN reporting.

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By Linnea Hoover

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    WESTMINSTER, Maryland (WMAR) — A good suit can mean the world, and the seniors of McDaniel College know that better than most.

Thanks to 60-year-old Tom Green, every senior on the football team now has a fitted suit, shirt, tie, and shoes from Men’s Warehouse in Westminster.

“It means everything,” one player said. “It was really having Tom around was really awesome and then for him to do something like this, like of course he gave us a lot of knowledge from his experience, but now truly doing something like this for us means a lot.”

Green didn’t stop at just providing suits. He also shared life wisdom with the players. “Life is like an EKG. You hit your peaks, you go to your valleys, and you can hit your peaks again,” Green said.

Green is at a peak right now, but he’s also had his share of valleys. He was diagnosed with stage 4 kidney cancer in May of 2015.

On Christmas Eve, 2017, Green says, “My wife prayed for me through the night that God would heal me because I was dying,” Green said.

Then came a miracle. By May 2018, Green was completely cancer-free and left with a question: What do I do with the gift of life?

His answer was football at McDaniel College.

“I certainly got the energy for it, and, you know, I’m trying to stay in shape for it, and I wanna play football without so sad I didn’t get on the field with these guys because, you know, I’m looking forward to next year,” Green said.

The gesture meant more than just new clothes to the players.

“It shows me that people still, there’s still joy in the world,” one player said.

“I feel like the big boss got the suit on and all that,” another added.

“It shows your character because you know how you carry yourself is how people are gonna look at you,” a third player said.

Green’s teammate described the impact of his generosity.

“He did not need to do any of this. Tom just did it because he wanted to, and it makes him feel good,” the teammate said.

Now these football players are ready to go out and tackle life, dressed for success.

“These young men are the future. They’re the future of the workplace, industrial, you know, financial, or other sports teams.

That’s where these guys are headed,” Green said.

This story was reported on-air by a journalist and has been converted to this platform with the assistance of AI. WMAR verifies all reporting on all platforms for fairness and accuracy.

This story was provided to CNN Wire by an affiliate and does not contain original CNN reporting.

Please note: This content carries a strict local market embargo. If you share the same market as the contributor of this article, you may not use it on any platform.