Minnesota Vikings Ring of Honor member Chuck Foreman was among those planting trees for Super Bowl LII environmental efforts at schools and forests.
As the hosts for Super Bowl LII at U.S. Bank Stadium, the Minnesota Vikings stated they helped to bring over $450 million in revenue to the local economy through the game and other events plus instituted initiatives to improve the community.
One of the initiatives put in place was an environmental effort where the team would be planting trees in Minnesota forests and near schools to help bring more fresh air and nature to the state in the future.
Among those representing the Vikings at a tree planting event at Highwood Hills Elementary where the final 18 trees were planted were Vikings mascot Viktor and former running back and Ring of Honor member Chuck Foreman.
Minnesota Vikings
It’s great to see one of the 50 Greatest Vikings on hand for such a great cause. Foreman was a five-time Pro Bowl player who made four All-Pro teams during his time in the league to go with his 1973 Offensive Rookie of the Year award. He rushed for 5,950 yards during his NFL career for 53 touchdowns and added 350 catches for 3,156 yards and 23 receiving scores.
The official Minnesota Vikings website shared a statement from Foreman about the event on Tuesday and why it is important for the NFL to do great things for the community.
"“It’s hot, number one, but it’s a great event. The tree planting, the kids are involved in it, it’s something for the environment and something they’ll remember forever because this is a big thing the NFL puts on.”"
In total, approximately 13,000 trees were planted from May 2017 through Tuesday (a majority of them in Chippewa National Forest) and the golden shovel has been passed on to the next team to host the Super Bowl: the Atlanta Falcons.
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The Minnesota Vikings are known for their involvement in the community, including playground builds, the foundation’s official foundation, individual player and staff charities, and much more and their efforts will be seen for many years to come.