Peter Holland // Staff Writer
Former FIU alumnus Johnathan Cyprien, who is currently a safety for the Jacksonville Jaguars, held his second annual celebrity softball charity game at the FIU Baseball Stadium for his Cyp Squad At Risk Youth Foundation.
Alumni from FIU reunited to face alumni from the University of Miami and other Miami-native NFL players in a friendly softball matchup. Before the game began, Cyprien gathered all of the children who attended the game and explained to them why the event took place and how much he cared about them and their future.
“I would throw different events like the softball game for example, and raise a good amount of money to sponsor kids to do things throughout the summer, such as after school programs to keep them out of the streets and give them a choice of doing something better than getting into trouble,” Cyprien said.
Current and former NFL players were the main attractions from both teams. Players such as T.Y. Hilton, wide receiver for the Indianapolis Colts; Tourek Williams, linebacker for the San Diego Chargers; Isame Faciane, guard for the Minnesota Vikings, were some of the players who represented FIU. Recent graduate and current defensive back for the Dallas Cowboys Jeremiah McKinnon, who was a freshman when he played with Cyprien, made an appearance as well.
“It was a nice feeling coming out and giving back,” McKinnon said. “I was able to play with Cyprien my freshman year and it felt great to stay in touch and be a part of his charity event.”
Both teams made some exciting plays, including Hilton’s one-handed catches and double plays, and Teddy Bridgewater, a quarterback for the Minnesota Vikings, striking out Cyprien as a pitcher. The players were energetic and gave the crowd a show throughout the entire game.
“It was cool to have the guys at the event,” Cyprien said. “We automatically have a brotherhood coming out of high school in Miami, and we just want to support each other.”
The final score was 20-10, with FIU coming out on top. For the players who participated, it didn’t matter who won. Their focus was to give back to their community and entertain the children who attended. After the game, fans came down to the field to take pictures with the NFL players and to get their autographs.
“It was great coming out and getting together for the kids,” Faciane said. “Miami showed me so much love while going to FIU, so it’s easy for me to give back.”
Not only was Cyprien excited about the turnout of his event, but he was also grateful that his former teammates and other NFL players came out and supported his foundation.
“Football is like a family,” Cyprien said. “We always look out for each other, especially when it’s a good cause for the kids.”
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