awards recognizes players making a difference in their communities
Meet Richie Leonard IV: The Cage‑Fit Copycat Who’s Also a Community Crusader
Richie Leonard IV, Florida State’s redshirt senior offensive lineman, isn’t just piling up tackles on the gridiron—he’s also hauling the town’s hope forward. The Aflac‑white‑jacket player has landed a spot on the Allstate AFCA Good Works Team, the squad that does more than slide under the saw‑tooth line: it rewards athletes who pack real, positive vibes into their neighborhoods.
Why Richie’s Good‑Works Game Has Everyone Talking
- What’s the scoop? — Richie, hailing from Cocoa, Florida, founded the Richie H. Leonard Football Camp. It’s a summer playground where kids can learn football and life lessons in his hometown.
- Community impact? — The camp’s all‑in‑one approach boosts confidence, ramps up teamwork, and yes—creates a whole bunch of future linemen ready to tackle whatever life throws at them.
- The nomination? — The AFCA Good Works Team recognizes players like Richie who’re not only excelling on the field but also lifting the morale of their community.
Enough with the Teasy Talk—Richie’s Playbook
When Richie says “the field is where I play,” he means it’s both a place of sweat and a school of kindness. Fancy a cool analogy? He’s the offensive line that protects the quarterback, and he’s the community captain who protects and nurtures the next generation.
What’s next for our Linked‑In‑hall‑of‑fame athlete?
In the coming months, Richie’s plans keep expanding—he’s planning a new coaching bootcamp, a scholarship fund for promising players, and a ‘no‑touch’ experience for local youth who have found themselves in, well, less-than-ideal positions. Basically, the man’s on a mission to keep the spirit of “team” alive far beyond the 100‑yard line.
Final Thought
From the high‑stakes of the college fields to the low‑stakes daily challenges faced by kids in Cocoa, Richie—is living proof that a good play can be as vital as a good community. Who knew that blocking out the bad vibes could be his signature move?
Richie Leonard’s Big-Couch‑Day: Game, Give, and Globetrot
From Couch to Pigskin: The Cocoa Camp Craze
Meet Richie H. Leonard—a Cocoa, Florida native who decided that passing the ball and giving back should go hand‑in‑hand. He launched the Richie H. Leonard Football Camp in 2024, and it’s been a touchdown for the community ever since.
- Free to all: No fee, no fuss.
- 300+ eager players in the first season.
- Local sponsors turned the camp into a charity blitz.
Touchdown Gift to the Cocoa High Team
During the camp’s kickoff, Coach Ryan Schneider of the Cocoa High Football team received a generous ball‑roll from Richie. The $5,000 donation led to upgraded helmets, better practice fields, and more pep talks.
Slashing Across the Balloon: The Argentina Adventure
Mid‑year, Richie took a detour with the FSU Fellowship of Christian Athletes to Argentina. The week‑long excursion wasn’t just about food and tango—it aimed at spreading the love of American football. Local teams learned the off‑side rule, and kids in Buenos Aires got a taste of the gridiron groove.
Why It All Works
Richie’s plan has three core scores:
- Community build‑up: The camp brings in new fans, new players, and new friends.
- Financial boost: The donation keeps the Wildcats’ program thriving.
- Global outreach: Introducing American football to Argentina opens a whole new fan base.
So next time you’re in Cocoa, grab a ball, a buddy, or a newspaper story. Richie Leonard’s hustle proves that with passion and a plan, even a football camp can score big on every front.
Leonard’s Community Crusade
Leonard isn’t just a star on the gridiron—he’s a full‑time superhero off the field. His heart beats for the people he loves, and his hands are always ready to help.
Backcourt Support
He’s the quiet king behind an AAU basketball team. Whether it’s coaching or cheering, Leonard’s presence lights up the court—no benchwarmer can compete with his hype.
Kids in Tallahassee & Cocoa
- Lecturing at local schools with knock‑on energy and straight‑forward stories.
- Working with kids in after‑school programs, ensuring they get the right tools for success.
- Arranging fun, interactive sessions that mix play with life lessons.
The Moffitt Care Packages
Leonard’s got a whole plan for patients at the Moffitt Cancer Center in Tampa. Think warm meals, cozy blankets, and the kind of surprise that makes someone break into a smile—he’s on a mission to keep comfort front and center.
And the story of his mother, Prishonda adds personal flavor. She survived breast cancer, undergoing chemotherapy at Moffitt in 2021—a real testament to resilience. Leonard was there every step of the way.
Game Day Highlights
- 35 career games with 17 starts—one of those 15‑minute magic bursts.
- Stole the lead in 12 games for Florida last season, racking up a team‑high 755 snaps.
- Started the first four games of 2024 before a season‑ending injury let him take a break.
His journey on the field may have had untimely pauses, but his spirit in the community? That’s everlasting. Keep cheering, Leonard—your story is pure gold!
Good Works Team: A Legacy of “Off‑Field Champion” Spirit
Since its founding in 1992, Florida State’s Good Works Team has been the secret sauce that rewards players who put in the extra grind beyond the gridiron—think kindness on a 60‑mile road trip, turning a school lunch into a charitable meal, or simply being a human in a world that’s too busy to notice.
Meet the Pioneers of the “Giving Game”
- Dillan Gibbons – 2022
- Camren McDonald – 2021
- Mavin Saunders – 2017
- Alec Eberle – 2016
- Christian Ponder – 2010
- Sam Cowart – 1996
- Wayne Messam – 1995
- Corey Fuller – 1992
2025 Season Kick‑off – The Big Stage
Mark your calendars: the Seminoles will step back onto the freshly sandblasted Doak Campbell Stadium for the biggest kickoff of the year on August 30 at 3:30 p.m. The opponent? Nothing less than Alabama, the juggernaut that will test every ounce of grit from the first whistle.
Turned Into a National Spectacle
— and, as it turns out, the stars won’t need a TV puppeteer: ABC will stream the whole showdown live for millions of viewers across the continental U.S. “That’s right,” the bows announced, “if you can’t travel to Tallahassee, tune in and feel the electric vibes of the All‑American rivalry.”