Park Sports Programs Get Big Donation From Local Football Pro

A South Minneapolis native who got his start in sports playing at Kingfield's  is giving back to his birthplace—again.

According to KSTP , Larry Fitzgerald, Jr. recently announced he would be donating 1,000 helmets to the Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board's youth football program, with help from manufacturer Riddel Helmets. Fitzgerald is a wide receiver for the Arizona Cardinals.

The helmets will replace and supplement old Park Board equipment. Fitzgerald's father explained to KSTP that a proper-fitting football helmet can make the difference between safe play and injuries like concussions .

Back in June, Fitzgerald gave a substantial sum of money to the Park Board to pay for new basketball courts at MLK Park .

"I grew up in the Minneapolis Parks," he told Patch at the time . "I still love going to King Park to play ball and visit with people from the neighborhood. It still feels like home."