DALLAS _ With the Covid-19 pandemic gripping the country, forcing most Americans to stay home, while first responders and medical personnel are working overtime, Pro Bowl defensive end DeMarcus Lawrence and a few of his Dallas Cowboys teammates have taken it upon themselves to do their part to help out and give back.
Lawrence organized a food truck 'pop up' Sunday for first responders at the Seago Pantry in Dallas with the plans of giving away 500 meals to those helping the sick and keeping the community safe.
It was also part of a unified effort with his HotBoyz charitable organization, made up of Cowboys defensive teammates, to support local small businesses during this economic downturn.
Cousins Maine lobster, Shivers Lunch Box and Seago Pantry provided the meals on Sunday with Lawrence, linebacker Jaylon Smith and defensive tackle Daniel Ross on hand taking pictures and offering smiles of support.
Lawrence credited his daughter Moriah for spurring him into action.
"She was the one that really challenged me to start making a difference out in the community," Lawrence said. "With this quarantine going on, I wanted to make sure I'm still doing my part and give back to the people of Dallas. My daughter Moriah led the way. This is bigger than football. This is us stepping out and trying to be leaders and do our part.
Said Smith: "We are just here. We are encouraging everyone to stay home and stay safe. There are people in need, people who can't eat. For us to provide that, it's a great feeling. We are not sure how long this is going to affect the world. It's something we will remember for the rest of our lives. We have to be proactive. The HotBoyz are here today trying to be proactive."
Smith reiterated that the uncertainty has everyone fearful of the unknown. But he advised people to stay at home, be safe and be proactive.
The fear issue is even more personal for Lawrence, as his wife is pregnant. They are already taking a lot of precautions at home, he said.
"It's scary knowing you are going to have a child born in these times and you don't know what is going on with the virus or how deadly it can be or the next step for us getting back to regular society," Lawrence said. "You don't know what is next to come. So it's always scary."
What's next for Lawrence and HotBoyz is to continue having these pop-ups to support first responders and use local small family owned companies that need the assistance.
Traffic was sparse on Sunday.
But Kanti Shetty, owner of the Seago Pantry with her husband, and Ahmer Khan, owner of Cousins Maine Lobster, appreciated the efforts of Lawrence and Hotboyz because their businesses have suffered.
Lawrence is encouraging Cowboys fans and the public to help them support the local businesses by donating or purchasing gift cards for as low as $25 at www.gethotboyz.com.
