March 2026
Newsletter
Happy Spring Fellas,
I hope everyone is doing well. I am grateful to serve this chapter and continue building alongside each of you.
Last week, I attended the NFLPA Leadership Convention in San Diego, where I connected with chapter leaders from across the country and had the opportunity to meet with Executive Director JC Tretter. Hearing his vision reinforced the importance of staying informed and engaged so we can better serve at the local level.
As former players, we have a responsibility to stay connected, support one another, and lead. I left energized and focused on continuing to build momentum here in Charlotte.
Growth: Charlotte is the 7th-largest market across all 37 chapters, with 635 former players and growing. We averaged 23 attendees per meeting last year — our goal is 35 this year. This is achievable by simply sharing events and bringing another brother with you.
Impact: We will continue to support organizations doing meaningful work across Charlotte while also supporting one another within the chapter — amplifying businesses, creating opportunities, and making connections that matter.
Brotherhood: We are creating more opportunities to connect beyond meetings and build real relationships. Mental health matters, and staying connected is key. If you have not heard from a brother in a while — reach out, check in, and show up.
Prostate Health Screening — April 4
9:00 AM – 3:00 PM · Johnson C. Smith University
Open to all men. Quick PSA blood test with a simple finger prick. Black men are at higher risk — early detection matters.
Register here · Learn more
Kick Start Charlotte — April 7–9
Novant Health Sports Performance – Arboretum, 8045 Providence Rd, Suite 100, Charlotte, NC 28277
A 3-day immersive wellness experience by The Trust + Exos. Medical evaluations, personalized training, nutrition support, recovery services, and take-home gear. Open to former players with 2+ credited NFL seasons. Spouses welcome. Spots are limited.
Register here
National Laundry Day Volunteer — April 15
11:00 AM – 2:00 PM · Three Charlotte locations
Last time we served 58 families, 525 loads, 6,000+ pounds. Let us build on that impact.
Sign up to volunteer
Chapter Meet-Up — May 21
7:00–10:00 PM · Top Golf, 8024 Savoy Corporate Dr, Charlotte, NC 28273
Hear directly from the DC office on benefits and NFLPA updates. Goal: 75 members in attendance. Mark your calendar and bring a brother.
Garinger Golf Classic — July 24
9:00 AM · Rocky River Country Club, 6900 Bruton Smith Blvd, Concord, NC 28027
Chapter-supported fundraiser for Garinger High School athletics. Member costs covered.
Registration · Event details
Super Baskets of Hope — February 2026
Todd Blackledge, Sherrod Coates, and President Mathu Gibson delivered over 50 gift baskets to patients and families at Levine Children's Hospital in partnership with Atrium Health. This is an event we plan to continue supporting.
Mystery Reader at Sugar Creek Charter — March 2026
Josh Hawkins, Edmond Robinson, and Rod Smith read to elementary students in celebration of Read Across America Month. Contact mathugibson61@gmail.com to get involved.
Note: Every time 3+ members show up to a community event, it strengthens our Chapter Score and factors into Chapter of the Year voting. If you have events or initiatives you would like the chapter to support, reach out.
We kicked off the year with 28 members in attendance at Vintage Cigar and Whiskey Bar. Strong energy and real momentum heading into spring. Thank you to Vintage Whiskey and Cigar Bar for hosting. Our next goal: 35 at every meeting.
The Chapter has selected this year's PAF Scholarship recipients. Presentations will be coordinated with each school in the coming weeks. Special thanks to the Scholarship Committee: Austin Duke, Colin Cole, Darian Stewart, David Olson, De'Anthony Logan, Edmond Robinson, Jamar Nesbit, Jeremy Kelly, and Ricky Singh.
PAF Family Scholarship — Deadline May 31, 2026
$2,500 award for children of former NFL players competing in collegiate athletics. Must be a graduating senior with a 3.0+ GPA and one year of varsity athletics, with no full college scholarship accepted. Submit NFLPA member info to PAF@NFLPA.com.
The Member Spotlight initiative highlights the businesses, organizations, and impact being made by our members. Submit to be featured and let the chapter amplify what you are building.
- Community Support — Planning volunteer events and building local partnerships.
- Engagement & Outreach — Connecting with former players across the Carolinas.
- Charlotte Metro Labor Council Representative — Meets the third Thursday of every month. Contact mathugibson61@gmail.com to learn more.
Rod is an NFLPA Institutional Financial Advisor in Huntersville, NC, providing personalized financial and investment planning. Connect with Rod →
— Mathu Gibson, Chapter President