The Big Ten is on a Big Mission
Tevin Coleman Connects with Blood Drive on a Personal Level
The Big Ten is on a big mission – one that former Indiana University football standout Tevin Coleman connects with on a personal level. In an effort to combat the U.S.’s critical blood and platelet shortages, the conference and Abbott are pitting the 18 schools against each other for its first We Give Blood Drive competition.
A Personal Connection
Recently, Coleman’s daughter, who has sickle cell disease, was in a hospital for about a month and had to have a blood transfusion. As she was having that blood transfusion, the doctor said that it was going to take a day for her to find a match for her blood. That’s why to me it’s real important to donate blood and save lives.
The Impact of One Donation
According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, just one donation can save up to three lives.
Incentivizing Donations
An exciting incentive for the campaign is that the Big Ten school with the highest blood donations will be awarded $1 million to enhance student or community health initiatives. The drive, which is also backed by regular donor and NFL legend Tom Brady, is open on college campuses to anyone that would like to make a donation from Sept. 26 through Dec. 6.
Indiana’s Stellar Year
Whether it is in the donation booths or on the field, Indiana (9-0) is having a stellar season, one Coleman would say is “unheard of.” Coach Cig (Curt Cignetti) is changing that whole university around, changing that whole program around, man, and it’s exciting to see.
A Challenging Schedule Ahead
The Hoosiers have a challenging upcoming schedule, facing opponents Michigan (5-4) and Ohio State (7-1). “I think they definitely gonna beat Michigan for sure… but the real tough game is definitely gonna be Ohio State, because Ohio State every year, man, their players, they got some amazing players, some amazing skillset players that’s hard to bring down and hard to scout,” Coleman said.
Coleman’s Athletic Career
Coleman had quite an impressive athletic career – one that began on the football field and track at Oak Forest High School in Oak Forest, Illinois. He played football at IU from 2012 to 2014 where he collected a bunch of accolades. He rushed for 2,036 yards in his final year to break the school’s single-season record and finished seventh in the 2014 Heisman Trophy voting. After choosing to forgo his senior season, the Atlanta Falcons drafted him in the 2015 NFL Draft where he spent three seasons. He went on to play for the San Francisco 49ers (2019–2020), New York Jets (2021) and back to the 49ers in 2022.
Conclusion
The Big Ten’s We Give Blood Drive competition is a great initiative that not only helps combat blood shortages but also brings attention to the importance of blood donation. With Tevin Coleman’s personal connection to the cause, it’s no wonder he’s rooting for his alma mater to finish out on top.
FAQs
* When is the We Give Blood Drive competition?
+ The drive is open on college campuses to anyone that would like to make a donation from Sept. 26 through Dec. 6.
* What is the incentive for the competition?
+ The Big Ten school with the highest blood donations will be awarded $1 million to enhance student or community health initiatives.
* How many lives can one blood donation save?
+ According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, just one donation can save up to three lives.
