High Impact Philanthropy: Henri Crockett Of Crockett Foundation On How To Leave A Lasting Legacy With A Successful & Effective Nonprofit Organization
An Interview with Karen Mangia
Volunteer your time. We all have the ability to volunteer, and it’s important to put back into this life as much as we take out of it. Kids may not see the money behind a program, but they do see the people. Be present. It matters more than you know.
For someone who wants to set aside money to establish a Philanthropic Foundation or Fund, what does it take to make sure your resources are being impactful and truly effective? In this interview series, called “How To Create Philanthropy That Leaves a Lasting Legacy” we are visiting with founders and leaders of Philanthropic Foundations, Charitable Organizations, and Non-Profit Organizations, to talk about the steps they took to create sustainable success.
As a part of this series, I had the pleasure of interviewing Crockett Foundation.
A native of Pompano Beach, Florida, Henri Crockett is a professional NFL player turned entrepreneur who played eight seasons in the NFL — five with the Atlanta Falcons and three with the Minnesota Vikings, including starting in Super Bowl XXXIII with Atlanta, before co-founding the Crockett Foundation with his brother Zack in 2002. Since its inception, the Crockett Foundation has been committed to building character, developing leaders, and improving communities — one child at a time. Crockett currently serves as the 87th President and Chairman of the Orange Bowl, making history as the first former Orange Bowl player to lead the organization in its 91-year history, serves as Chair of the Orange Bowl Youth Football Alliance and Liaison to the NCAA Sun Belt Conference.
Thank you for making time to visit with us about a ‘top of mind’ topic. Our readers would like to get to know you a bit better. Can you please tell us about one or two life experiences that most shaped who you are today?
The passing of my father at a young age gave me a sense of urgency; the outlook that you have to live and lead with the end in mind. It made me take life a lot more seriously. Not having him present in my life made me want to show up for my kids and for other kids who may not have that steady presence. It sparked my passion for people and community, because when you’re raised by a single mom, you have to lean on so many different people and really learn to rely on a network of support. This community of support helped shape who I am today, and now I feel called to be that presence for others.
Another defining experience was when I ranked highly as a football recruit. Entering college unprepared was a real eye-opener that you only know what you know. I wasn’t exposed to a lot before getting there. I didn’t have access to the training, exposure, or technical support to my game that other kids had. It created an insecurity, feeling like I didn’t belong. I carry that with me today as I work with youth. I remember what it felt like to not have all the right tools and to feel inadequate. It was a defining moment in my life, realizing there are so many kids in my community who are just like I was. I’m committed to leveling the playing field and making sure kids from my community have what I didn’t: resources, preparation, and exposure.
You are a successful leader. Which three character traits do you think were most instrumental to your success? We would love to hear a few stories or examples.
Collaboration is one of my superpowers. Football taught me that we’re always better together than we are alone. The work doesn’t care about your title or your background; if you can help, you jump in. That mindset has shaped how I build teams and communities.
Empathy and respect are foundational. Coming from an underserved community and growing up not having the most, I know what it feels like to go without. And that how you treat people is so important. I lead with the mindset that everyone is going through something. If I can be a light for someone, I want to be. People follow you when they know you care and that you’re willing to help.
Consistency has been key. I show up on the good days and the bad. Success isn’t about perfect results, it’s about putting in the same effort regardless of the outcome. That’s how trust is built.
What’s the most interesting discovery you’ve made since you started leading your organization?
Coming from a performance background in football, I assumed that people in business had these untouchable “superpowers.” But once I stepped into the nonprofit world, I realized they’re just like me. We’re all figuring it out as we go. That was a huge breakthrough. I belonged all along. It sounds easy, but it’s a hard thing to overcome. My leadership style and real-world experience were assets, not deficits.
Can you please tell our readers more about how you or your organization intends to make a significant social impact?
At the Crockett Foundation, we’re focused on changing lives by preparing kids for the future. Not just the jobs that exist now, but the ones that haven’t even been created yet. When I think about impact, I think about changing lives. In the world we are living in today where jobs are created daily and the digital landscape is everchanging, we have to start preparing kids early to get them ready. By putting devices in the hands of youth who wouldn’t have it otherwise and giving them digital skills early on, we’re helping them go from consumers to creators. When that mental shift happens, and students understand they play a pivotal role in what’s to come, that’s when we see real innovation and transformation. These kids are going to be the next generation creators and change the way we view the world. We’re helping them step into that power.
What makes you feel passionate about this cause more than any other?
It’s the opportunity to help kids solve problems, navigate adversity, and find a way out. Too often, mental health struggles stem from feeling stuck or hopeless. When kids get overwhelmed or have nervous breakdowns, a lot of it stems from them not seeing a way out. But when we teach them how to problem-solve and be creative or innovative under pressure, it gives them confidence, discipline, and peace. That’s how we empower them to succeed, and how we change their futures.
Without naming names, could you share a story about an individual who benefitted from your initiatives?
One young woman I mentored starting in middle school lost her mother while she was still in high school. I became a steady presence in her life, supporting her emotionally and helping her navigate her next steps. She went on to graduate from the University of Georgia with honors while raising her two younger brothers. Today, she’s an accountant helping her brother thrive in his career with the NFL. Our bond is still strong. I told her from the beginning, “I’m here for life,” and I meant it. That’s what real impact looks like: long-term, consistent, and meaningful.
And that’s how we show up for the kids we care for at Crockett Foundation. It’s the process of being there for them, day after day. It’s not about words, it’s all about the action we take and the follow through with those words we instill upon them.
We all want to help and to live a life of purpose. What are three actions anyone could take to help address the root cause of the problem you’re trying to solve?
- Volunteer your time. We all have the ability to volunteer, and it’s important to put back into this life as much as we take out of it. Kids may not see the money behind a program, but they do see the people. Be present. It matters more than you know.
- Serve as a mentor. You’ve likely gone through challenges the young people we’re working with at the Crockett Foundation are just now facing. Your guidance has the potential to change the trajectory of someone’s life.
- Find an organization that speaks to your heart, and give. Donate, show up, and be part of the mission. Let your dollars and your energy work hand-in-hand.
Based on your experience, what are the “5 Things You Need To Create A Successful & Effective Nonprofit That Leaves A Lasting Legacy?” Please share a story or example for each.
1 . Consistency. You have to be willing to show up, and do so consistently. Kids especially need to know you’ll continue showing up. A one-time visit doesn’t build trust. Being there again, and again, does.
2 . Empathy. You have to lead with heart in all you do. These kids need more than programs; they need people who get them and care enough to listen. Commitment to empathy is so important.
3 . Boundaries and Discernment. Learn to say “no” when it counts. You’ll find sometimes that your time is so valuable that if you continue to say yes to everything, you miss out on the important things. You can’t help everyone, and not all opportunities are the right ones. Guard your time so you can give your best where it matters most.
4 . Surround Yourself with OQP — Only Quality People. When you do so, a lot of good things happen. Surround yourself with people who challenge, uplift, and inspire you. The wrong influences slow your growth, while the right ones fuel your mission. I’ve found in my life it’s not just about surrounding yourself with quality people to benefit yourself, but those who are willing to challenge you, push you, and tell you the hard truth.
5. Openness: Starting a non-profit can be challenging. Be open to learning, mentorship, and unexpected opportunities. I’ve learned in my lifetime, it’s the unusual suspects who will help you out the most. Even when you think you might know it all, stay open to learning and open to change. Some of the biggest breakthroughs in my work came from saying “yes” to something small or surprising. My journey to success has been about being open to new ideas, going to new places and being open to new challenges while receiving guidance and leadership without being egotistical along the way. Don’t ever resist an opportunity to learn something. You never know what change could catapult you to a place you never even thought you could go.
How has the pandemic changed your definition of success?
It taught me and the Crockett Foundation as a whole the power of agility. We used to think success was about grinding through, no matter what. But during the pandemic, we had to pivot — quickly. That’s when I realized our smaller nonprofit was like a Ferrari. We could move fast, make decisions, and respond to needs quicker than bigger organizations that have more loop holes they have to go through. That flexibility has been a gift, and a huge advantage.
How do you get inspired after an inevitable setback?
I view setbacks as opportunities. My sports background taught me to adapt and keep going, no matter the situation at hand. Inevitable setbacks are like puzzles to me that I look forward to solving. Just because one approach doesn’t work doesn’t mean the mission is over. It simply means we need a new strategy. It’s never one size fits all, and I’m consistently inspired to figure things out, because there is always a way. There are at least two or three different ways to get to the finish line. My team does a great job of problem solving, pushing through dilemmas to create solutions. We stay focused on the goal: finishing strong, without getting hung up on the problem at hand, no matter the path.
We are very blessed that very prominent leaders read this column. Is there a person in the world who you would like to talk to, to share the idea behind your non-profit? He, she, or they might just see this, especially if we tag them. 🙂
If there was one person in the world who I would love to talk to and exchange ideas with, it would be Mellody Hobson. Her strategic mind, ability to lead through tough decisions, and the way she seems to mentor others amazes me. She is someone I look up to deeply. I admire how she’s risen through challenges and would welcome the opportunity to learn from her.
You’re doing important work. How can our readers follow your progress online?
For more information on the Crockett Foundation and how to get involved, visit us online at https://crockettfoundation.org/ or follow and engage with us on Facebook (@crockettfoundation), Instagram (@crockettfoundationfl), LinkedIn (@thecrockettfoundation), YouTube (@crockettfoundationfl), or TikTok (@crockettfoundationfl). I’d also love to connect with anyone personally passionate about giving back to youth as I via my LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/henri-crockett-88698032b/.
Thank you for a meaningful conversation. We wish you continued success with your mission.
About The Interviewer: Karen Mangia is one of the most sought-after keynote speakers in the world, sharing her thought leadership with over 10,000 organizations during the course of her career. As Vice President of Customer and Market Insights at Salesforce, she helps individuals and organizations define, design and deliver the future. Discover her proven strategies to access your own success in her fourth book Success from Anywhere and by connecting with her on LinkedIn and Twitter.
High Impact Philanthropy: Henri Crockett Of Crockett Foundation On How To Leave A Lasting Legacy… was originally published in Authority Magazine on Medium, where people are continuing the conversation by highlighting and responding to this story.